Artisan Traditions of the Sacred Valley by Kennedy Leavens, founder of Awamaki - In this exciting lecture, Kennedy Leavens discusses life in Quechua villages and how women are building sustainable futures for their families through the work of Awamaki, a non-profit that helps Andean artisan women start their own businesses. She also explores the rich artisanal and textile traditions of the Sacred Valley and the role they play in Quechua culture and the modern economy.
Mystic Motifs of the Ancient Andes by Samantha Encalada, Director of Institutional Relations at the Larco Museum - In this session, Samantha Encalada, Director of Institutional Relations at the Larco Museum, explores the intimate bond that existed between pre-Columbian societies and the natural world, and how they were represented in pottery, metals, stone and textiles for posterity, open for us to explore.
Lima's Melting Pot by Javier Puente, PhD - Peru’s capital is currently home to more than a third of the country’s population. This session recounts the trajectories of Lima from its pre-Columbian origins through its re-foundation as a major Spanish American outpost and from its twentieth-century dynamics of demographic explosion to its position as one of the world’s foremost megalopolis.
The Nature of the Andes by Javier Puente, PhD - This session explores how mountains and dramatic altitudinal variations have shaped the landscapes and peoples of Peru, from ancient times to present. We will explore the Andes “paradoxical” role as both a pivotal feature of Peru’s diverse cultural, political, and social developments and an alleged obstacle against the contemporary ideals of progress.
The Peruvian Culinary Boom by Javier Puente, PhD - Within the last decade, Peru has acquired a privileged place in the global culinary landscape. This session illustrates how thousands of chefs, hundreds of restaurants, and dozens of culinary schools have fully remade the cultural landscape of a country, showcasing the potential and challenges of cuisine as an element of twenty-first century nationalisms.
Machu Picchu’s Legacy by Javier Puente, PhD - Machu Picchu lies at the core of Peru’s archeological and historical heritage and is wielded as a symbol of the country’s place in the world. This session explores the making of Machu Picchu as convoluted history of neglect, forgetfulness, pillage, and cultural imperialism as well as the manifold preservation challenges ahead.
Land of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie, four-time Emmy winner and Peru explorer - This session, discuss the pre-Columbian period in Peru, including the rise of the mighty Inca Empire leading up to the Spanish Conquest.
The Conquest of the Inca Empire by Kim MacQuarrie, four-time Emmy winner and Peru explorer - In this session, four-time Emmy winner and Peru explorer Kim MacQuarrie will speak about the conquest of Peru by Spanish conquistadores, including the capture of Inca Emperor Atahualpa and the subsequent series of battles that led to Spanish victory in the following years.
