Bibliography

We graciously thank these websites for their support.

www.worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/

www.countryreports.org

www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

The African Influence

     A large population of modern day Peruvians are considered Afro-Peruvian, as they descend from African slaves. The slaves began arriving in the 1500's, and continued to make the trek to Peru until the 1800's. These hard workers essentially kept the Peruvian economy afloat. They also had a major influence on the music and overall culture of Peru.




Some Creole instruments

    A form of Afro-Peruvian music known as Creole combines elements of African, native Inca, and Spanish music. It is becoming more popular in the modern world, as it is dance-friendly. The Spanish guitar is a main instrument in this type of music. The individual styles vary more depending on where the music is being made. Much of the make-up of this music is describing the era of slavery in Peru. Creole music is very popular in Peru.

     Some links to Afro-Peruvian music. http://vimeo.com/4954188

http://vimeo.com/21073753

The Spanish Influence

        In 1532, the nation of Spain sent a party of conquistadors(conquerors) to defeat and capture the Incan Emperor. Soon after, Spain officially established Peru, which included multiple other South American colonies. For hundreds of years, Peru was under the lead of Spain. This caused the Peruvian culture to be heavily influenced by Spain.


              First and foremost the Spanish influence on Peru included the language. Before the conquerors, the Incan people spoke their own language. Over the years, the Spanish language has taken over the country. Even after the people gained independence they still kept the Spanish language, and also the religion.

    

       Religion plays a major role in every nation, and this is true for Peru. During Incan rule the religion was very drastic. They believed in reincarnation. Human sacrifice was a large part of how they showed faith. This all changed when the Spaniards brought in the Catholic faith. The differences in the two are drastic, but the Spanish imposed the change. Currently more than 80% of the citizens of Peru are Catholic, showing the Spanish made a lasting influence.



Lomo Saltado

      Peruvian cuisine has been greatly impacted by Spanish food. The Spaniards helped to introduce chicken, pork, and lamb to the Incas, who became Peruvian. Moreover, they showed the natives how to grow wheat, barley, beans, and carrots.

     Some music and dance in Peru is present because of the Spaniards. The coastal inhabitants of Peru are general known as creolle. They have many of their own traditions, but they incorporated one Spanish dance, the northern Spanish jota.

     The art of Peru had its beginnings in the Andean civilization, but more specifically the Incans created the style. Spanish and other European influences during the colonial times were important. The arts are increasing in popularity today ever since the Fine Arts School of Lima was founded in 1919.

     The Spanish conquistadors that conquered Peru have influenced the culture more than they can imagine.