El Tío and the Silver:
Life & beliefs in the mines of Potosí
This silver mine was discovered in 1545 and quickly became the largest and most productive mining site in the colony. The silver extracted from Potosí fueled the Spanish economy for two centuries, but at a devastating human cost, as thousands of indigenous people lost their lives in the process. When the minerals on the surface of Cerro Rico were exhausted, miners were forced to delve into the deep tunnels. The yanaconas, who originally worked on the surface, abandoned the site.
Facing the scarcity of surface minerals, the Spanish decided to explore the depths of the mountain. For this, men were needed to carry out the necessary excavations. In 1570, Viceroy Toledo implemented two significant reforms in the Viceroyalty of Peru. The first was the introduction of a new silver refining technique using mercury amalgamation. The second was the organization of the mita, a forced labor system that required indigenous people to work in mines, haciendas, and other colonial projects.
Inside the mines, workers faced constant dangers from cave-ins, diseases, and extremely harsh conditions. Each workday, miners had to extract between 20 and 25 kilos of ore, which was an exhausting and hazardous task. The conditions in the mines were extremely adverse: narrow, poorly ventilated spaces increased the risk of cave-ins, and constant exposure to dust and chemicals caused respiratory diseases and other severe health problems.
“El Tío“
"El Tío" is depicted as a male spirit or deity with both grotesque and anthropomorphic characteristics. Its image often combines human and animal features, frequently with a face that merges human and beastly traits and a body covered in hair or resembling that of a bull.
Miners present offerings to "El Tío" such as cigarettes, alcohol, and coca leaves, seeking his protection and favor. It is believed that this deity governs the subterranean world and that his benevolence can influence both the safety and prosperity within the mines. In return for these offerings, miners request "El Tío" to shield them from occupational hazards and to assist them in locating valuable minerals.
The figure of "El Tío" illustrates the profound spiritual and cultural connection that miners have with their work environment, as well as their need for protection and guidance in such a challenging and perilous setting.
"El Tío" is a unique figure within the mining culture of Bolivia, particularly in the mines of Potosí. This traditional deity is venerated by miners to protect them in their arduous and hazardous underground work.
To honor and obtain the protection of "El Tío" in the mines of Potosí, miners perform a variety of sacrifices and offerings. These rituals are deeply rooted in the traditional beliefs and customs of the mining community. Among the most common offerings and sacrifices are:
Cigarettes: Cigarettes are placed on the statues of "El Tío" and are often lit as part of the ritual. The smoke from the cigarette is seen as a form of communication with the deity.
Alcohol: Offerings of alcohol, such as beer or aguardiente, are poured over or near the statues. This is done to invite "El Tío" to share the drink and as a symbol of respect.
Coca Leaves: Coca leaves are used in rituals to ask for protection and good fortune. The leaves can be offered directly to the statue or chewed by the miners during work.
Food Offerings: Small piles of food, such as bread or fruits, are sometimes left near the statues.
Animal Sacrifices: Occasionally, small animals like llamas or guinea pigs are sacrificed as part of more elaborate rituals. The animal's blood is used in ceremonies to invoke the protection of "El Tío."
These rituals aim to ensure the miners' safety in the hostile and dangerous environment of the underground mines of Cerro Rico. Additionally, they are a way to express gratitude and respect towards the deity believed to govern the underground world.
