Ritual customs
The ritual customs of fishing and building reed boats has not changed in centuries. The residents of Huanchaco learn from childhood that when the totora, or Scirpus reed, reaches its maximum height once a year, it is time to cut and lay the reeds out to dry on the sand until it attains its typically golden colour. The fishermen then skillfully tie the reeds together at the prow end until they succeed in forming an arc-shaped boat.
© Kieron Nelson 2013 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
