ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Q'ero is a Quechua-speaking ethnic group living in recluse and isolation in the high Andes region of Peru.

Quechua was not only spoken by the Incas but also by their long-term enemies of the Inca Empire- the Quechua people. The Quechua had formed an essential part of the agricultural backbone of Andean civilization since the early 15th century when they were conquered by the Chancas, who the Incas subjugated later in that century. In the 16th century, when the Spanish conquered the Inca empire, the Quechua communities came under Spanish rule.

Spanish rule drastically altered Quechua society as the new tribute system required the Quechua to produce new crops for the Spanish at the expense of their food supply. Through centuries Quechua's political and social institutions were strained by Spanish rule and Catholic Church, further alienating the Quechua from the roots of their society. By the early 21st century, the Quechua led very isolated lives as marginal farmers in the high Andes moving into higher altitudes and away from modern civilization.

At 14,000 feet, the snowcapped Andies are home to the Q'eros Nation people, who are known as the last direct descendants of the Inca. Q'eres survived the Spanish conquest by receding high into the mountains. According to the Vanishing Cultures Foundation Inc, six major Q'ero villages are home to about 600 people and 6,000 llamas & alpacas.

Q'ero people live in an Earth-centric way, farming potatoes and mazes, rearing alpacas, and weaving wool. The unique Inca-like patterns characterize their master weaving style. Grass-thatched roofs cover the huts built with stone and earth, preserving the traditional way of life of the Q'eres people.



Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q%27ero
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Quechua
https://stories.kahtoola.com/the-qeros-nation-the-last-of-the-incas/

AUTHOR
Aga is a documentary photographer based in the USA, and her work focuses mainly on documentary photojournalism, conservation, and exploration of heritage sites, indigenous tribes, and rituals. In addition, she actively supports human rights and conservation efforts.

Aga’s professional journey began with travel and sports photography during the time she lived in Thailand. Muay Thai was one of her many passions, and when she was presented with the opportunity to document Muay Thai fights, she didn’t think twice about it and had the best time of her life doing it. Aga traveled extensively during her life in SE Asia, had many adventures, and met many fascinating people. Eventually, a few years later, her journey took her to Indonesia and South Africa.

Aga’s passion for photography and travel is shared with her love for science, as she spends most of her time trying to cure people and the planet. Aga actively supports human rights movements, environmental protection, and various conservation efforts.

Aga’s assignments involve both freelance work and collaborations with various NGOs. In addition, she aims to portray the people she photographs in the most powerful and meaningful way one can achieve while making a difference in the communities she meets.

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