Q'Eros People: The Last Incas

• Photographer
  Ilaria Miani
• Technical Info
  Nikon D750
• Photo Date
  December 2023

Q’eros people are known as the keepers of ancient knowledge and are known as the last living direct descendants of the Incas, having survived the Spanish conquest by receding high into the mountains. They are highly spiritual, worshipping Pachamama (Mother Earth),and los Apus (mountain spirits) above all.Their main source of sustenance consists of potatoes,and raise alpacas,but living in their villages has become harder than ever, since the climate changes had altering the cycle of the seasons, and the terrains are subjects to violent storms just as to great drought.

I don't remember the first time I held a camera in my hands, but I most definitely remember a NG photo exhibition. After that, I had no choice, photography has definitely become my world. Over the years I've tested myself, trying to find my own sense of style in my photography. I have acquired an awareness of how an image can be important because it has the power to provide documentary evidence of our lives. In recent years, I have focused myself in documenting places where there are ethnic groups which still maintain their traditional habits, but which are very much in danger of being lost.