WELS in Bolivia: Other gods

All this I will give you if you bow down and worship me.

This past week marked the festival to the god of abundance, Ekeko. The fair grounds were full of vendors selling their wares to the followers of this god. At the entrance to the fair, there stands a large statue of the Ekeko god.

What is the belief about this god? Followers are encouraged to buy products in miniature that represent their desires. If you wish to travel, you purchase a miniature suitcase. If you want to graduate you purchase a miniature diploma. The most common miniature sold is money - miniature bolivianos, miniature dollars and miniature euros. The belief is that in the coming year, Ekeko will make these miniature objects become real.

Another belief is that Ekeko can change your life. If women buy a miniature rooster, they will get married in the coming year (men buy miniature hens). Miniature dolls will help you to have a child. Frogs and elephants are said to represent good luck. Owls will bring wisdom.

Amauta - La Razon

After making your purchases, they are taken to the amauta (shaman) who blesses your miniatures. He sprinkles some water over them and then waves them over a small fire of coals or incense. Some people, as a final step, will also take their miniatures to the priest who sprinkles them with holy water.