Peru
Peruvians

Woods, metal, paint, bone
20th century
Length: 27 in; Width 10 in; Depth: 1.75 in
Chordophones – Lutes

The charango is a small, fretted lute from the Andean regions of Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina.  Like the Spanish guitar, this charango has a flat wooden back and a circular sound hole with a flat sound table made of spruce.  However, this charango from Peru, is in the shape of ‘Pincoy, the Mermaid.’ In quechua (the language of the Andean natives of Peru and Bolivia), ‘Pincoy’ (an Inca mermaid myth) means “princess or wife of the Inca Emperor.”  According to Austin Whittall, “In the southern Peruvian province of Lampa (Puno), far from the sea but close to Lake Titicaca there are several places named Sirenayoc [‘sirena’– Spanish; ‘yoc’ Quechua].  This translates to, ‘where there are mermaids.’  He further states that these mermaids do not live in the sea nor in Lake Titicaca, instead, they live in the fresh waters of the mountain’s streams.  This Inca mermaid myth has permeated popular culture in Peru as seen here in their local guitars (charangos). While the mermaid myth of ‘Pincoy’ and her shape has been adapted to other regions such as Chile, this ‘Pincoy’ charango from Peru retains her lower body fish-shaped fins.  Images of mermaids can also be found in carved stone at Cusco, Peru.

This ‘Pincoy’ charango has 14 metal frets with bone bridges, and 10 strings – 5 courses.  It is signed by the maker at the top of the peghead.  The label inside reads: Guitarras  Luthier – Toribio Q. Cespedes, Cusco (Peru).  Written on the tail fin:  Paciencia  –  Humildad  –  Esperanza y Amar (translates:  Patience – Humility – Hope and Love).