A bridge made of grass

[Judi Lynn]

2 hours ago



JORDI BUSQUE

Every year the last remaining Inca rope bridge still in use is cast down and a new one erected across the Apurimac river in the Cusco region of Peru.

The Q'eswachaka bridge is woven by hand and has been in place for at least 600 years. Once part of the network that linked the most important cities and towns of the Inca empire, it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2013.



JORDI BUSQUE

The tradition has been passed on from generation to generation with every adult in the communities on either side gathering to bring new life to the crossing.



JORDI BUSQUE

Tradition dictates that only men are allowed to work on the making of the bridge itself. Women remain in the upper part of the gorge, weaving the smaller ropes.



JORDI BUSQUE

During the first day of the reconstruction, men gather around the old bridge and weave the smaller ropes into bigger ones. The main support of the bridge comes from six large three-ply ropes about one foot thick, each containing about 120 of the original thinner ropes.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-48628325

Also posted in Anthropology:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/12294775

[tblue37]

1. K&R and thanks! nt

[Judi Lynn]

4. Thank you, tblue37.

[Control-Z]

2. That is freaking amazing!!

Thank you for posting!

[Judi Lynn]

5. Thanks to you, Control-Z.

[Cracklin Charlie]

3. Humans are amazing creatures!

Thanks, Judi Lynn!

[Judi Lynn]

6. Have been thinking of that bridge since finding the story.

Have no idea whatsoever HOW on earth any human beings can actually create something like that.

Boggles the mind when you realize the Spanish descended ruling class dirtbags actually look down on the indigenous Incas, calling them names like "damned Indian" and "llama abortions."

As much as I am in awe and bewilderment of these people's incredible skill, I despise the descendants of the invading, genocidal monsters who became the "ruling class" after they had terrorized and murdered the original population into submission.

[Cracklin Charlie]

7. I get your point, Judi Lynn...

But submission?

I just saw those amazing humans build a new bridge this year, and topped the opening off with a huge celebration. (Thanks, again)

I don’t think they’re ready to submit just yet!

Great article!

[Judi Lynn]

8. Was aiming more toward meaning Europeans gaining control of them, their country, etc.

I have read years ago about real organizations of patriots who are completely prepared to defend their people when conditions require throughout the Andes.

These people do seem anything but submissive. I didn't word it very well.

[Cracklin Charlie]

9. Nah, I got ya.

Many, many humans beings are amazing; but, at the same time, some humans do totally suck.

I do love this story, though. Seeing the pictures with the story really brought it to life. The picture of the folks celebrating in their finest when the bridge was completed is my favorite. And I can almost smell those roasted potatoes that beautiful woman is cooking!