IN THE SPACES ENCLOSED by ancient walls of stones cut and assembled without cement but with pinpoint accuracy by the ancestors of the Incas, the torches illuminated characters that moved within and projected their shadows both inside and outside the walls. The faces and outfits looked strange and fearsome when exposed to the lean light of the torches. All the stage was prepared since immemorial time to impress suggestible spirits and keep them away. The men were covered with dark llama and vicuña hair ponchos, and had their heads covered with red caps of fine wool with tassels of the same color. All had in their hands rods topped with zoomorphic figures. One of them, who performed as curaca or chieftain, stood out in the group. This character was dressed in a similar robe, but his cap
