The Colonial Churches of the Cotahuasi Canyon

Abstract

The colonial churches of the Cotahuasi Canyon in Peru are among the least known inthe history of viceregal architecture. Before 2010 none of them appeared in a scholarlypublication even though they include three important examples of the Andean HybridBaroque style, better known as “mestizo baroque,” including the second-oldest datedwork (1679). Although dependent upon the archbishopric of Cuzco these churcheshave closer stylistic affinities with Arequipa and Caylloma and some of them werelikely built and carved by artists and artisans from those regions. Drawing upon newphotographic and archival material this study considers seven of these churches, includingSan Martín de Tours (1679) and La Inmaculada Concepción (1792–96) in Cotahuasi, LaInmaculada Concepción in Taurisma (1687), Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Tomepampa(17th century, renovated 1803), San Pedro in Alca (late 17th – 19th century), JesúsNazareno in Cachana (late 18th – early 19th century), and El Señor de la Exaltaciónin Visve (late 17th – 19th century). It describes these churches, relates what is knownabout their histories, and briefly examines affinities with the architecture of Arequipaand Caylloma The purpose of this article is not just to introduce these churches intothe canon but also to increase awareness of their importance at a time when most ofthem are threatened by lack of upkeep and theft.