Trees, Religion and Socio-environmental Changes in the Central Andes: The Case of “Schinus molle” L. in the Cordillera Negra, Peru

Abstract

Based on the study of the history and Catholic cult of the Holy Cross of Ampushino, the article presents some preliminary findings, and proposes lines of future research, regarding the conceptualizations of nature among the inhabitants of the locality of Pamparomás (Cordillera Negra, Central Peru). To this end, the research traces the natural and cultural history of Schinus molle in the central Andes, the tree from whose branches the Cross of Ampushino’s emerged according to local tradition. It is hypothesized that the supernatural powers attributed to the cross by its devotees are closely related to pre-Hispanic religious traditions of this Andean region. Considering this historical and cultural background, ongoing environmental and social transformations in the area are described. Finally, the importance of a future research agenda is emphasized, one that highlights the study of ethical-environmental perspectives of local residents regarding environmental change, and the conjecture of the possible emergence of new visions of nature.