Motorcycle Diaries

My discussion question is: How did the architecture Che and Alberto saw in Cuzco reflect themes of indigenousness and oppression?

Throughout Che Guevara’s and Alberto’s travels in Cuzco, they observed several buildings reflective of indigenous and oppressive themes. For example, they saw a fortress that was built with heavy defenses, which created the impression that Quechua warriors were always successful in defending the fortress (Guevara 105). The fortress’ representativeness of Quechua strength reflects a theme of indigenous power. Moreover, Guevara and Alberto noticed that the Church of Santo Domingo was built over the remains of the indigenous Temple of the Sun (Guevara 112). This structure represents the efforts of Europeans to destroy indigenous culture and religion in favor of European culture and religion.  Additionally, while visiting the Church of Saint Christopher, Guevara and Alberto observe the indigenous art on the choir stalls (Guevara 114). The art serves as another expression of indigenous identity and ultimately reflects how indigenous culture still pervades Peruvian society despite the history of European oppression the nation has experienced.