Keka Ruiz

Keka Ruiz Tagle evokes the wisdom of her ancestors contained in vessels of light.

In the vast and mystical pre-Hispanic world of the Andes, the landscape was not simply a static backdrop against which daily life unfolded, it took on profound meaning within the Andean worldview. The mountains, towering and majestic, were not only physical barriers, they were seen as divine abodes. The gods inhabited these peaks, and their presence not only protected the valleys but also regulated the flow of vital water that nourished the fields. For the inhabitants of these sacred lands, the natural environment was a space imbued with spirituality, where each element—from the mountains to the rivers—had a direct connection to the divine world and to the ancestors.

In this sense, the landscape was much more than a mere setting, it was a place of memory and ritual. The Andean peoples practised memory games and rituals deeply rooted in their conception of the world. These rituals were not just acts of devotion but also mechanisms for reconstructing history and ancestral knowledge. Through them, imaginary lines were drawn that connected different points of the territory, forming a spiritual and cultural network that linked the past with the present. Cuzco, as the center of the Andean world, was the origin of these lines, which extended towards the surrounding valleys and mountains, forming a network of sacred pathways.

This imaginary layout of 41 visual lines represented the interconnection between the celestial and earthly realms. Each of these lines not only guided travelers in their movements but also served to strengthen the bond with the ancestors and the deities. The Andean vision did not separate the past from the present. On the contrary, it is considered that both coexist simultaneously. The men and women of the Andean world understood that every action, every step taken on the earth, was imbued with the presence of the spirits of the ancestors, whose wisdom endured through time and guided the path of future generations.

In this context, the relationship with the ancestors was not an isolated matter, but a vital element woven into everyday life. Living among the spirits of the ancestors was a constant interaction, manifested in every aspect of daily life. Through this bond, ancestral knowledge was transmitted, customs were preserved, and harmony with the natural environment was maintained. The Andes were not only a physical place where people lived but a sacred space where relationships between the human and divine, the visible and invisible, were interwoven.

The Andean conception of the world was not only spiritual but deeply practical. In an era when humans knew how to inhabit the earth in a respectful and balanced way, the connection with nature was the central axis of life. It was understood that the wisdom of the ancestors resided in knowledge of natural cycles and respect for the earth, water, and sky. This knowledge, passed down from generation to generation, not only ensured survival but also a state of well-being, happiness, and harmony with the cosmos.

The process of recovering these teachings and beliefs is fundamental in the contemporary world. In an age when humans have often distanced themselves from their relationship with nature and cosmic cycles, the challenge is to reclaim that ancestral wisdom that allowed Andean peoples to live in balance with their environment. The search for a path toward a life more connected to the earth and a life more in harmony with the universe is a vital challenge for our time today. This return to the roots is not just a nostalgic exercise but an urgent necessity to restore the lost balance between humans and their surroundings.

The images that arise from this imaginary layout are not merely visual representations, they are true spiritual vessels. They are bridges that connect us with our origins and allow us to reunite with our ancestors. Each color, each shape, and each symbol has a deep meaning, charged with energy and wisdom. Colors, for example, are not simply pigments applied to pottery or fabric but represent light itself: the external light that emanates from nature and the internal light that shines within the human mind.

In the Andean worldview, light is a mediator between heaven and earth, between the divine and the human. It acts as a link that unites the worlds and facilitates communication between them. Through the interaction of lights—both external light and internal light—a flow of energy is established that connects human beings with the universe. This connection is deeper than simple visual perception, it is a vibration that resonates in every fiber of being, transmitting a sense of belonging and protection. As one walks along a path illuminated by this ancestral light, individuals not only feel guided but also accompanied by the forces of nature and the spirits of their ancestors.

Thus, the Andean space becomes a magical place, a “place of power,” where the memory of the ancestors lives not only in the stones and mountains but also in the consciousness of every human being. In this place, past, present, and future intertwine, creating a continuity that allows humanity to walk through an illuminated world, protected by the gods and spirits, and filled with the wisdom that has transcended through the centuries. Living in this imaginary layout is, ultimately, living in deep connection with the cosmos, in harmony with nature, and in a constant return to what is essential—the very source that gives meaning and purpose to human life.

About Keka Ruiz Tagle

I live between my family house in Santiago and Llolleo, near the sea, which belongs to my mother, whom I have cared for since my father died. I have a wood kiln in Llolleo and electric kiln in Santiago where I can fire my work. Visit www.kekaruiztagle.cl and follow @kekaruiztaglee

Tags

ceramics | Chile | G37 | land