Ekeko

Ekeko
God of abundance
Other namesAymara: iqiqu
Quechua: ekjakjo
RegionAndean high plateau
Ethnic groupAymara
FestivalsAlasitas
Representation of the Ekeko, in La Paz, Bolivia

The Ekeko (contemporary Aymara spelling: Iqiqu) is the Tiwanakan (pre Columbian civilization) god of abundance and prosperity in the mythology and folklore of the people from the Altiplano.[1] Its chief importance in popular culture is as the main figure of the annual Alasitas fair, a cultural event that happens every January 24 in La Paz, Bolivia.[2] The Ekeko is a traditional god of luck and prosperity popular in the western region of Bolivia. In Peru the main festival is celebrated on May 3 of every year in the city of Puno, on the Machallata hill.

  1. ^ Collyns, Dan (6 September 2009). "Andean row over 'good luck' doll". BBC News. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
  2. ^ Paulette Dear (30 January 2014). "Alasitas: Bolivia's festival of miniatures". BBC. Retrieved 30 January 2014.