An approach to the Andean cosmovisión in «Oshta y el duende», by Carlota Carvallo de Núñez

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the Andean cosmovision (pachasofía) in the story «Oshta y el duende», by Carlota Carvallo de Núñez. The analysis focuses on the tripartite structure of the Andean world conceived in hanan pacha (world above), kay pacha (world here) and uku pacha (world below). With respect to hanan pacha, atmospheric phenomena are analysed, while, in relation to kay pacha, the relationship between human and nature is developed, as well as the attitude of the child Oshta with his mother Silveria. Likewise, the analysis of the uku pacha concentrates on the mythical character of the goblin (muqui). Finally, it is affirmed that in the story, the tripartite structure of the Andean cosmovision exposes certain characteristics of the western perspective. In this context, characters such as the fox and the puma show, through their mischievous behaviour, the transgression of the divine perception in this conception; as well as the attitude of the mother when she leaves the child to take care of the sheep, this work being entrusted to the feminine sphere. This work is developed appealing mainly to the reflections of Josef Estermann, J.J.M.M. Van Kessel, Carmen Salazar Soler, Francisco Izquierdo Ríos, David Heflin, among others.