Fieldwork Archive
The following transcription of this walina (water song) in the Quechua language (with a few lines in Spanish) is based on Rowan's best efforts combined with those of his cuzqueño Quechua teacher, though she admits to not understanding a few words. Quechua is no longer spoken in San Pedro de Casta; the songs preserved have been passed from generation to generation, so meanings in the songs and in the language may have shifted. We are waiting on feedback from a few other Quechua scholars. Some points may be open to interpretation or orthographic choices.
In sum, the song describes pastoral activities in the agrarian community of San Pedro de Casta, such as weaving and shepherding. Central to the song is Cunya (sometimes spelled Cuñaq or Kunyaq), the mountain spring that feeds Carhuayumac, the most important canal in the village's irrigation system.
