Chiririnka - błękitna zwiastunka andyjskiej śmierci
Chiririnka – Blue Omen of Andean Death

Summary/Abstract: This essay is a monographic draft attempt concerning one of the most widely known omens of disease and death throughout the native Andean cultures. Among many signs, interpreted as approaching death, the figure of bluebottle fly called in Quechan chiririnka has a key position, which extends from pre-Colombian times, and its popularity exceeds other similar signs of similar meaning. Up to this date it retains its significance in funerary beliefs and functions in various forms of folklore, especially in songs. At the same time it is also commonly thought to be an incarnation of human soul, what finds resemblance in folk beliefs and tales of mythic characteristics, including tropes found in indigenous eschatology. This essay relies on ethnographic sources, and very important contributions to this topic which can be found in books and essays of José Maria Arguedas.

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