TINKU - Magical Latin Rhythms

 

ARTICLES

Articles by Letty Astudillo

The Meaning of TINKU ♦ The Legend of the "Quena"
The P'urhépecha Tribe ♦ Mestizo ♦ Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

THE MEANING OF TINKU

In ancient and current times, TINKU represents a prehispanic Andean ritual in which people from certain regions of South America (particularly in Bolivia) meet in a fierce celebration. These oftentimes bloody meetings are generally organized in religious or sacred grounds. The persons fight for their ayllu or community. Winning the battle means gaining prestige; acquiring favors from the losing party; and overall rights to land.

TINKU is a word with several meanings. Its variants Tinkuñacama means " to fall or to enter into combat"; while Tinkuy signifies "the coming together of two different groups". TINKU is also a musical rhythms traditional to Bolivia that represents a marching movement. It is this type of music that was utilized when the two parties meet in combat.

Currently, there are many Tinku rituals throughout South America held at different times of the year. However, due to local law enforcement, the ancient form of the Tinku battle is dying.

So, why "TINKU" for a band name? TINKU was chosen by its Founder & Director, Francisco Astudillo, because of its literary content: a coming together of two different segments of society. With this in mind, TINKU's goal is to project traditions, customs and rhythms of various Latin American countries by incorporating native instruments to introduce World/Latin/Folk music to people in the United States and beyond. Hence, since 1995, TINKU delights audiences with 100% live music from over 12 countries while highlighting over 19 musical rhythms.

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THE PURHEPECHA TRIBE

The P'urhépecha is an indigeneous tribe referred to as 'Tarascan'. The P'urhépechan language is also known as 'Tarascan'. They are located in the state of Michoacan in Mexico (Latin America). The P'urhépecha are concentrated in the cities of Uruapan & Patzcuaro.

>more info coming soon
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THE LEGEND OF THE 'QUENA'

Legend says that many years ago there existed a King whose beautiful daughter died at a tender age. To honor his daughter, the King ordered that the Princess' femur bone be extracted and carved into a flute. He named it after his daughter 'Quena'. This way, the King thought, everytime he heard the beautifukl sounds of the Quena, he would be reminded of his beautiful daughter.

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MESTIZO

>info coming soon
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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (Day of the Dead)

Dia de los Muertos (in Spanish) or “Day of the Dead” is a holiday traditional to México. It is not by any means a day of mourning. Instead, it is a day when family & friends remember and honor the lives of their deceased loved ones. This holiday serves as a day of family gatherings; oftentimes, praying for the souls of their deceased. Entire families meet at the sacred burial sites to accompany their loved ones who have passed to a better life. Read more here! (pdf)