Andean worldview is composed by four important concepts; reciprocity, collectivity, transformation and essence. Each of these concepts describe the Andeans beliefs as a whole, as an individual and as ancestors. Reciprocity is viewed as one part is countered by and connected to another. Incas and Andeans beleived everything has a complementary half; mirrored images, pairing, opposites interlocked are a few examples, this type of thinking is also viewed as dualistic. Andeans believed in a system of give and take and the need of balance in their societies and as individuals. Reciprocity is very apparent in Andean art especially ancient textiles, a common art of the Chancay culture. Not only is it seen in their art but was used as an orginizational tool to form societies.
When a group takes precedence over the individual this is viewed as collectivity. Collectivity was a huge role in how the Andean cultures dealt with control and only a few had true control of the masses. In the world of art collectivity was the focus on the image and not the individual artist. Andean art was not all generic but can be viewed in a highly sophisticated outlook.
Is Life the start and death is the end? Andeans and our native ancestors believed there was no end but only transformation from one plane to another. It is a constant natural cycle, progressing but constantly repeating itself. The transformation tenet of worldview comes full circle with stories of shamans displayed in transformation in their works art. Not only are these important roles in the lives of Andean cultures but it was difficult to illustrate two things as one.
Inner core was favored over outward appearance and connected all the tenets together referring to the "essence over appearance". These pieces of art where structured to make the viewer think hard about what the meaning behind it was. Andean artists worked to create the essence in the artwork not just to see it. These images were create for the afterworld, the supernatural realm,et., its sole purpose was to fullfill the artists needs spiritually.
The Andeans beliefs on the "essence over appearance", is a ritual that has been forgotten
in our present day. I feel our world today moves to quickly and we don't take the time to notice or use the concept of "essence over appearance" it is unfortunate that we have lost such a precious past time. Our lives are so structured to obtain What? Not the journey you take but the outcome. Andeans and our native ancestors may not have been as educated as we are today but I feel they took their spiritual and purpose to a higher level than our societies today. We will probably never encounter or understand its value in our lifetime.