El Chaku, a valuable Identity Cultural Heritage of Catamarca

From June 18 to 28, from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., those who live or visit Buenos Aires are invited to participate in the experience “El Chaku, a valuable Identity Cultural Heritage of Catamarca”, in Annex A of the low camera.

The initiative is part of the actions that the president of the Culture Commission of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation, the national legislator for Catamarca, Silvana Ginocchio, carries out to make visible and revalue this ancestral practice that seeks to be part of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Also accompany the Provincial Government’s policies of cultural rescue, value identities and support the sustainable development of our communities.

The exhibition of renowned Catamarca photographers; Ariel Pacheco, Gastón Miranda and Carolina Cabrera, tells in 13 images the perfect portrait of the typical “Chaku” of Laguna Blanca, a majestic landscape between the geographies of Antofagasta de la Sierra and Belén. The closing on June 27 will be led by Gabriela Ávila and Silvana Giocchio to delve into this exceptional experience.

What is Chaku?

It is an ancestral community technique of herding, confinement, shearing and treatment of vicuña fiber characteristic of the Puna of Catamarca, since these are animals that live between 3,000 and 4,800 meters above sea level. With pre-Inca roots, the practice that is carried out once a year (last days of October and beginning of December) preserves the vicuñas, taking care of their lives.

The process begins with the herding of the vicuñas to pasture and water areas. A long “chimpiada” rope is used (“chimpas”: pieces of colored fabric knotted along its entire length) forming a barrier with which they guide the animals until they enter the corral. From there they are removed with their heads covered and kept on the ground, holding their paws gently. Shearing is carried out with scissors, removing the fleece from the animal’s body. This raw material will become yarn and very fine fabrics made on rustic looms.

Valuing the Catamarca Heritage

Catamarca was a pioneer in the recovery of the “Chaku” and that made it one of the main producers of vicuña fiber in the country, bringing its tradition and textile quality to different parts of the world. In addition, it works with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UN – UNESCO Montevideo) and the Federal Investment Council (CFI) to preserve and transmit knowledge of this practice, and recognize it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.