Exhibition 'Rutuchicuy and Baptism: Welcoming to the Community'

This exhibition offers an analysis of two rites of passage that, despite originating from different religious universes, coexist as a clear example of religious and cultural syncretism. Visitors are transported to the 16th century, exploring two vastly different worldviews: the Andean and the Christian. The Andean world, governed by the Incas, was characterized by a rich diversity of gods and the worship of huacas, elements of nature or sacred objects. In contrast, Christianity presented itself as a monotheistic religion with a single, intangible God, worshipped through symbols like the cross. The exhibition focuses on two community entry rituals: Rutuchicuy, an Inca ceremony welcoming a child as a new community member, and Baptism, a Christian sacrament of entry into the community of believers. Due to high infant mortality rates at the time, Baptism was performed as soon as possible to ensure the salvation of the soul, involving anointing with chrism oil and the use of water and candlelight as symbols of faith and the presence of Christ.