An approach to the figure, role and survival of the santiguador in the traditional population of Jayanca (Peru)

Abstract

The current research explores the figure and the role of the santiguador at Jayanca’s traditional population in Lambayeque Region in Peru. The research seeks an approximation on the understanding of the particularities of santiguador's features, its role in the social dynamic of Jayanca’s traditional population, its ritual of healing, its relationship with popular religiosity and factors and causes that had made its figure and practice to begin a process of survival. This research is based primarily in the testimony of Augusto Bustamante Coico (santiguador of Jayanca district) and data collected in santiguadores from Lambayeque Region. The research concludes that the figure of a santiguador is strongly related to its devotion to catholic-Christian practices, which are expressed in the public and private spheres of life, allowing the santiguador being recognized by its own community. Besides, the santiguador carries out a role on giving first aid in the treatment or healing of illness, and its figure is related to elements from Afro offspring population. It is important to mention that the socio-economic, religious, and medical-technological dynamics—i.e., agro-export companies and migrant population, non-Catholic religious groups and modern medicine and medical specialists—have changed in a significant way the traditional population of Jayanca and therefore the figure and role of santiguador.

ARK CAICYT: https://id.caicyt.gov.ar/ark:/s16688090/n5ra44sgs