Alfredo in Qayaqpuma

When we hear the name of this splendorous Apu, the image of Alfredo Mires comes to mind: taking pictures, making tracings, contemplating the little spiders, the little plants that live there. Everything by hand, with his field notebook, his pencil and his camera. Scarce resources for such great purposes. And he was like that: austere and supportive.

Twenty-three years ago, in 2001, Volume I of the Qayaqpuma collection was published by the Rural Libraries Network (thus, well written), clarifying that this publication was achieved after several decades of dedicated study by Alfredo and in an organic and community effort of cultural affirmation, as indicated on the flaps of each of the four volumes that make up this collection.

As a result of this hard work, today we have these publications that record thousands of images that are used by artisans, weavers, painters, among other artists from many places. Many of them recognize and are grateful for Alfredo's legacy.

“Today I walked through the sector of the platforms and I had to deviate a thousand and one times from the paths: the spiders had their webs woven everywhere”. We highlight this text by Alfredo, published in volume III of the same collection, to show in a simple way the deep respect with which he walked through the sacred Apu. And not only did he take care of what he found in his path, but even before starting his walks, he would ask permission with his offering to go quietly into the mountain. And, when he retired, he thanked it for having allowed him his findings.

Now that the Apu Qayaqpuma is in the international news and has awakened so much curiosity, we hope, at least, that the legacy of Alfredo Mires and the way he defended and protected this sacred mountain of which the most ancient of our ancestors were the true owners, will be taken into account.