Scissors dance

The Danza de las Tijeras is a rich and complex cultural expression, native to the departments of Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Apurímac and northern Arequipa in Peru, which has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 due to its antiquity and symbolic value.

This dance is traditionally performed by the inhabitants of the Quechua villages and communities of southern Peru, reflecting a strong cultural syncretism between pre-Hispanic religious beliefs and Christianity imposed during colonization.

Origin and history of the Scissors Dance

The origins of the Dance of the Scissors date back to the"tusuq laykas", pre-Hispanic priests, soothsayers, sorcerers and healers, who after being persecuted by the colonizers, took refuge in the higher areas and began to be known as "supaypa wawan" (son of the devil). Eventually, they were allowed to return under the condition that they danced for the saints and the Catholic God, originating the tradition of this dance in the patron saint festivities.

What is the origin of the Scissors dance?

This dance is an integral part of the religious and pagan festivities of these areas, and its origin dates back to pre-Hispanic times, although it was consolidated and acquired many of its current characteristics during the colonial period.

However, there are several theories about the origin of the Tijeras dance:

1. Pre-Hispanic Origin and Ritual: It is believed that the dance has roots in pre-Hispanic rituals practiced by the indigenous peoples of the Andean region. These dances were ways of connecting with the spiritual world, honoring the Andean gods and asking for the fertility of the land. The dancers, through their movements and the symbolism of the scissors, sought to emulate the deities and spirits of nature, acting as mediators between the spiritual and earthly worlds.
2. Colonial Influence: With the arrival of the Spaniards and the imposition of Christianity, many of the pre-Hispanic rituals and beliefs were syncretized with Catholic religious elements. The Tijeras dance was no exception; it was adapted and transformed, incorporating Christian elements but preserving its essence and indigenous symbolism. It is possible that the inclusion of the metallic scissors as a musical instrument and part of the dancer's attire was an addition of this era, symbolizing the fusion of cultures and the resistance of indigenous traditions.
3. Symbolism and Meaning: The scissors that give the dance its name are actually two independent iron plates that, when struck against each other, produce a characteristic sound. This instrument not only has a musical purpose, but also symbolizes duality and balance between opposites (heaven and earth, day and night, material and spiritual), a concept deeply rooted in the Andean cosmovision.
4. Challenge and Competition: The Scissors dance also incorporates elements of competition and physical challenge. The dancers, known as "danzak" or "scissors dancers," perform impressive acrobatics and tests of physical endurance that demonstrate not only their skill and dexterity but also their spiritual connection and ability to endure pain, which is interpreted as a display of spiritual strength.

Why is it called the Scissors Dance?

The name of the dance comes from the two metal scissors that each dancer handles during its execution, elements that have a deep historical and symbolic root related to the mining exploitation during the colony and the Andean myths that surround them.

Historical Evolution of Dance

We will learn a little more about the historical evolution of this dance, focusing on three crucial aspects: its ritual and spiritual origin, the legend of the pact with the Devil and its link with the song and dance of the disease.

The dance of the scissors: ritual and spirituality

Over the centuries, the Danza de las Tijeras has evolved, integrating elements of Spanish dances such as the jota, contradanza and minués, and adopting Spanish costumes, which demonstrates the cultural syncretism characteristic of this artistic expression.

Originally, it had roots in the ritual practices of the Chankas, native peoples who dominated regions such as Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Apurimac before the arrival of the Incas. In the beginning, this dance was part of agricultural festivities, especially in honor of the Pachamama, with the objective of soliciting energy and prosperity for the community. The dancers, descendants of the "tusuq laykas" (pre-Hispanic priests, diviners and healers), represented through their choreographies the spirits of natural entities and Andean divinities, connecting the material and spiritual worlds.

A pact with the Devil

There is a popular belief that the dancers have made a pact with the devil to obtain supernatural powers, which is reflected in the tests of resistance to pain and self-injury that are part of the dance, as well as in the costumes that represent the religious syncretism between Christianity and Andean tradition.

Song and dance of the disease

The Dance of the Scissors is not only a spectacle of physical prowess and spirituality, but has also been linked to healing and curative practices. The singing and dancing of the disease could be interpreted as a form of communication with the divine to ask for health and well-being for the community.

Information is still vague, but it is understood that the ritual aspect and the connection with natural and spiritual forces have played an important role in the well-being of Andean communities.

Scissors Dance: Cultural Patrimony of Humanity

The recognition of the Tijeras Dance as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010 underscores its cultural and spiritual importance, as well as its role in the preservation of Andean traditions in the modern context.

Characteristics and types of dance

It is distinguished by its choreographic complexity, where the dancers (danzaq) compete in skill and endurance. There are different types of dance:

• Dance Mayor or Atipanakuy: It is the main competitive dance, where dancers face each other in duels of skill, dexterity and endurance. Each participant tries to outdo his opponent with more complex movements and higher-risk tests.
• Dance Menor or Qolla alva: It is performed mainly at night, being a more intimate and less competitive version of the dance. It is often accompanied by softer chants and music.
• Zapateo: This variant is performed during the Christmas holidays and is known for its faster tempo and intensive use of the feet. It includes dance steps that mimic the sound of stomping on the floor.

Each of these dance types highlights different aspects of the dance, from competition and demonstration of physical and spiritual strength in the Atipanakuy, to celebration and expression of devotion in the Qolla alva and the zapateo.

Scissors Dance Costumes and Symbols

• Rituality and Spirituality: The dance is a ritual act that symbolizes the struggle between the forces of good and evil. It is performed as an offering to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and other Andean spirits, seeking harmony and balance.
• Showy costumes: The dancers wear colorful and elaborate costumes, composed of approximately 15 different pieces, including embroidery with metallic threads, sequins, mirrors and other ornaments representing elements of nature and Andean deities. The Montera, or hat, symbolizes the Apus (spirits of the mountains).
• Use of Scissors: The distinctive element of the dance is the use of metal scissors with two independent blades, which produce a characteristic sound when struck together. This instrument not only fulfills a rhythmic function, but also a symbolic one, representing duality and balance.
• Tests of skill and endurance: The dance includes acrobatics, jumps and demonstrations of extreme physical endurance, such as walking on fire or performing body piercings, which demonstrate the spiritual connection and strength of the dancers.

Symbolism in clothing and accessories

The costumes and accessories of the Scissors Dance are not only decorative elements, but have a deep symbolism linked to the Andean cosmovision, spirituality, and the history of resistance and cultural syncretism of the indigenous communities in Peru. These elements reflect the connection between the dancers, their natural environment, ancestral spirits and religion.

• Montera (Hat): It symbolizes protection and connection with the Apus (mountain spirits). It is a distinctive element that represents respect and veneration towards the Andean deities.
• Metal Scissors: Beyond being a musical instrument, scissors represent duality and balance between the material and spiritual worlds. Their use in dance symbolizes the ability to navigate between these two worlds and the skill in maintaining the balance between opposing forces.
• Colorful and embroidered costumes: The costumes of the dancers, richly adorned with embroidery, sequins, and mirrors, symbolize the universe, nature, and the elements. Each color and embroidered figure has a specific meaning, reflecting aspects of Andean life, the fertility of the earth, and respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth).
• Accessories: Accessories such as masks and metal ornaments not only have an aesthetic purpose, but also function as amulets for protection against evil spirits and as a way of honoring Andean ancestors and deities.

The Danza de las Tijeras, therefore, are expressions of cultural identity, faith, and resistance, while at the same time the dancers invoke spiritual protection, show respect for their heritage, and convey important messages about their vision of the world and their place within it.