Eshuva facts for kids

The Eshuva are special songs and prayers from the Huachipaire people in Peru. They sing these songs in their own language, called Harákmbut. Eshuva songs are a way for the Huachipaire people to connect with nature spirits and express their ancient myths.

These unique songs are sung without any musical instruments. They are used for many important reasons. For example, people sing Eshuva to help someone who is sick feel better or to bring good health and well-being. They are also a big part of traditional ceremonies and special events. New Eshuva singers learn these songs during special initiation ceremonies.

Why are Eshuva Important?

Eshuva songs are very important for the Huachipaire people. Since they are sung only in the Harákmbut language, they help keep this language alive. They also help pass down the Huachipaire people's values, beliefs, and their way of seeing the world to new generations.

The knowledge of Eshuva songs, including what each song is for (like which illness it helps heal), is passed down by word of mouth. This means people learn them by listening and remembering, not from books.

Keeping Eshuva Alive

Sadly, there are only about 12 known Eshuva singers left today. It has become harder to teach these songs to young people. This is because young Huachipaire people sometimes move away from their traditional homes. Also, outside cultures can influence them, making them less interested in old traditions.

Because of these challenges, the Eshuva songs are at risk of being lost forever. UNESCO, which is the United Nations organization for education, science, and culture, recognized this danger. In 2011, UNESCO added Eshuva to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This means the songs need special help to survive.

Before this, on March 11, 2010, Peru's Ministry of Culture declared the Eshuva tradition an important part of Peru's cultural heritage.

Efforts to Protect Eshuva

To help save the Eshuva tradition, Peru's Ministry of Culture announced new steps on November 28, 2011. They plan to build "Houses of Memory." These will be special places where people can practice Eshuva and other oral traditions.

The Ministry is also making recordings of Eshuva songs. So far, about 30 songs have been recorded. These recordings will help make sure the songs are not forgotten and can be learned by future generations.

See also

In Spanish: Eshuva para niños