Q'eros: The Shape of Survival

Produced by John Cohen. 53 min. Color. 1979. Available as: VHS and DVD Captioned: No Catalog #: 0053 Order this title Sale Price: $295.00 Apply for Discount

This classic documentary provides a multifaceted exploration of the way of life of the Q'eros Indians of Peru, who have lived in the Andes for more than 3,000 years.

Their economy is nearly self-sufficient and their location, at 14,000 feet, is well adapted for their alpacas (raised for wool) and their llamas (beasts of burden). The Q'eros employ the same agricultural methods, play the same panpipes and flutes, and weave cloth using the same patterns as those described by Spanish chroniclers in the 16th century. The film examines Q'eros music in its shepherd and religious functions and shows weaving as an integral part of family life.

"Q'eros: The Shape of Survival" will engage students and generate discussion in a wide range of courses in cultural anthropology, Latin American and Andean studies, ethnomusicology, comparative religion, and the arts and humnanities. It was produced by renowned filmmaker and musician John Cohen.

Awards

• Margaret Mead Film Festival honoree
• Festival dei Popoli (Florence) honoree
• Bilan du Film Ethnographique (Paris) Award
• American Anthropological Assn. honoree

Additional Material

For additional information on John Cohen and his films, photography, and music, please visit http://www.johncohenworks.com/.