Abstract

SETO, Junko A.. Mallkus of uraqita: The obligation which legitimates the possession of land The Communal Authorities in Aymara communities in the Bolivian highland. Rev. de Inv. Educ. [online]. 2015, vol.8, n.1, pp.103-140. ISSN 1997-4043.

This article reveals that the completion of the positions of mallkus -Aymara’s authorities- is an obligation for those who own land, and also legitimates their rights to own and use the land, based on ethnographic data obtained through field research in the Bolivian highland. Thus this paper elucidates that the primary reason for community members to practice mallku positions is to legitimate their right to own and use the land. This study also analyses the meanings of discharge of this responsibility. Consequently, it is understood that the Aymara's authority system constitutes a customary land regime, which forms a dual structure with a state regulations. Furthermore, it elucidates that this system is based on ritual and moral concept, emphasizing the idea that «the mallkus care for the land», which is supposed to promote and legitimate the system. This idea implies morally, ritually and ecologically substantial responsibility for the community and its components, which is shared by all community members who own land.

Keywords : Aymara, uraqita; land holding; mallkus -community authorities-; ritual; customary regime; community control.

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