Between 1570 and the middle of the seventeenth century, the port of Arica was the main commercial shipping port for mercury and silver to and from Potosi, Bolivia. The dozens of villages along the route between the interior and the coast thrived due to the development of this economic corridor. Today, some 80 small adobe churches survive in the settlements along this passage. (...)
Between 1570 and the middle of the seventeenth century, the port of Arica was the main commercial shipping port for mercury and silver to and from Potosi, Bolivia. The dozens of villages along the route between the interior and the coast thrived due to the development of this economic corridor. Today, some 80 small adobe churches survive in the settlements along this passage. They are notable for displaying a convergence of indigenous and Spanish influences in architecture and art, which, when used today to describe art and architecture from this region and period, is often referred to as Andean Baroque.
Esquiña village is an example of one of the communities in this region. The church of San Pedro de Esquiña, dating back to the early seventeenth century, is of significant cultural value and is a strong example of Andean Baroque. Today the church continues to be a central place of worship and serves as a center of preservation of Andean culture.
However, San Pedro de Esquiña, like many other churches in the Arica y Parinacota region, is at risk. The minimal employment opportunities means that most young villagers leave for work elsewhere, resulting in a dearth of skilled people able to maintain the churches. In addition, the remoteness of the villages—some are still best reached by mule or on foot—has hampered conservation efforts and local economic development.
