The kañari axes: functional and / or symbolic objects?

Abstract

 This article proposes an analysis and interpretation of kañaris axes. The Kañaris axes are pre-Columbian metal objects found in the southern region of Ecuador, at Ingapirca area, which belong to the Kañar culture of the Cashaloma phase. These objects were possibly used in different cultural manifestations. In this way, it is sought to establish a relationship with the tumi or ceremonial knife, an object present in some pre-Columbian cultures of the Andean part –Chimú, Moche, Lambayeque, Kañari and Inka–; and also with the place name tumipampa, former name of the current city of Cuenca (Ecuador). Specifically, six Kañari axes are analyzed in order to raise some hypotheses about them, their uses and meanings –utilitarian, ceremonial, medicinal, toponymic, symbolic– to be applied later in an audiovisual artistic project (tableaux vivants) and thus incite to reflection and debate from anthropology and art.

Keywords: kañari ax, Cashaloma, tumi, iconography, interpretation, visual anthropology, tableau vivant.