Liberally anesthetised with alcohol, the men begin to dance, and from there proceed to beat each other with fists, poles and rocks. Death is not uncommon, even with government attempts to control the event.
Although decried by some as a barbaric custom, is it any more barbaric than professional boxing, whose sole purpose is financial gain? Or war, in which unresolved grudges result in staggering loss of life?
The Tinku is violent and disturbing, but it is consensual, controlled, and successfully keeps the peace for the remainder of the year.
When not part of the annual event, the Tinku is a lively and popular Bolivian dance. |
