HOMBRE EKEKO

June 15, 2017 SouthAmerica

The Hombre Ekeko is an old Andean talisman of luck and wealth. The belief in this idol some say dates back to the Incas. Its use perhaps originated in Bolivia but it can also be found in Peru. The figure is always a man with somewhat chubby aspect, a big grin on his face in which may feature a cigar or cigarette. Wearing typical Andean clothes, including a woven alpaca chullo hat, the most notable trait is the large collection of his possessions hanging from his body. The older traditional Ekeko men will have his shovel, bucket, guitar or panpipes, a coil of rope, and sack of food. Modern versions cling to their currency in bills, a cell phone, computer, a car, and PlayStation.

Traditionally the Ekeko owner offers him a cigar or cigarette while asking him for a granted wish. Many believe an offered tobacco product on Friday yields good luck. If the Ekeko smokes the entire offering he will grant the wish, whereas if the cigarette burns out early then one is out of luck.

Ekeko figures are generally small, standing only a few centimetres high while others may be doll sized or larger. In Bolivian carnivals men wearing full sized customs like an Ekeko are common. The Museo Costumbrista in La Paz has a display room full with a remarkable variety of Ekeko men. Most are made of clay, ceramic, or wood, however, they also have them made from silver and copper. One small figurine was made from glass.

https://www.southamericatotheworld.com/ — Ekeko

In Bolivia every January 24th they celebrate La Feria de las Alasitas, which is a huge festival that goes on for an entire month. Gathers and vendors in this catholic celebration end the event with the blessing of the objects that people buy to give the Ekeko. The Ekeko man represents wealth, fecundity, and joy. The Ekeko man has his arms open traditionally is here where people will hang the objects of their wishes, but nowadays the Ekeko has a poncho and people could pin the objects to it. Alasitas is an Aymara word and it means “to give” the objects you are asking for him to give you. This fair has the different objects in miniature size so people can buy them according to what they desire.

In Peru, specifically in the city of Puno on the border with Bolivia, they celebrate the Fiesta de las Alasitas y de las Cruces every May 2nd and 3^rd, combining a religious ceremony along with a fair for people to buy the miniature objects to give the Ekeko man. People believe that the Ekeko man has to be given as a gift instead of buying it directly in order to obtain what you wish.

The Ekeko is dressed in abundance and is a symbol for obtaining wealth. The belief is by displaying an Ekeko the owner will likewise be blessed in material gains. Another metaphor about the Hombre Ekeko is how with wealth our material collections become a burden that we must carry. The Ekeko embodies the desire for things by those without and simultaneously the trapped nature for people with success. We have no statue or symbol dedicated to wanting less.