Wanay
by hughpierre
Execution
Expedition
Wanay is a specifc dual agricultural and mining mit'a class of work. Labourers who are obliged to fulfill certain taxes will be assigned by their tokoyrikoq to gather at a place best capable of sustaining a base camp at the time of assignment and go to Paqariq Tampu as a group to mine wanu.Components and tools
Simple Tools
The process is dangerous - boats have to navigate open water, land on rocky islets, and workers climb unstable cliffs covered in bird waste. A typical expedition involves:- Rafts made of sturdy balsa log vessels to cross choppy waters
- Woven baskets and hide sacks for gathering and transporting wanu
- Wooden or bone scrapers for loosening caked guano from rocks
- Ropes and pulleys or ladders to help scale cliffs or lower baskets
Participants
Mitayo
The coastal people first formalized its use, but the innoit institutionalized its collection and distribution after integrating their territory. It became an imperial resource, strictly regulated by the state and protected under harsh penalties. Wanu is dried and stored in qollqas, then rationed out to communities based on need, as determined by administrators and local mitmaqkuna.Observance
Non-Breeding Season
Wanu expeditions are carefully timed and highly organized. They take place strictly seasonally, most often after nesting (dry) season, when birds have temporarily vacated their roosts to minimize disruption. Only designated rotated workers are permitted to access the islands. Unauthorized access could result in severe punishments, including death, to prevent disturbance of nesting birds.
Alternate Name
Chincha
Chincha
Primary Related Location
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
Comments