The Uru of Peru lives on Lake Titicaca on Totora reeds that float. The larger island homes can house 10 families while smaller ones have 2 or 3.
The reeds on the bottom of the boats they live on rot away quite regularly so putting new reeds at the top happens every 3 months. Tourism has made it harder to maintain their homes, and many Uru has moved to mainland Peru.
Although the money tourists bring is also help them, so it seems there are two sides to the coin for this unique culture. According to legend, the Uru descend from a peopl
e that spoke the Puquina language.
However, while most of the Uru have shifted to Aymara and Spanish, as few as two people still spoke in 2004 the nearly extinct Uru language which is actually closely related to the Chipaya language.
The Uru considered themselves the owners of the lake and water. According to the legend, Uru used to say that they had black blood because they did not feel the cold.
They historically called themselves Lupihaques, “sons of the Sun”. Although the Uru language is nearly extinct, the Uru continue to maintain their identity and some old customs.
The purpose of the island settlements was originally defensive; if a threat arose the floating islands could be moved. The largest island retains a watchtower, as do most smaller islands.
The Uru traded with the Aymara tribe on the mainland, intermarrying with them and eventually abandoning the Uru language for that of the Aymara. About 500 years ago they lost their original language. When conquered by the Inca empire, they had to pay taxes to them, and often were made slave
s.
Much of the Urus’ diet and medicine also revolve around the same totora reeds used to construct the islands. When a reed is pulled, the white bottom is often eaten for iodine.
This prevents goiters. The Uru relies on totora reeds in the same way that the Andean people of Peru rely on the coca leaf for relief from hunger and the harsh climate. When in pain, they may wrap the reed around the body part that is in pain.
If it is hot outside, they sometime
s roll the white part of the reed in their hands and split it open, placing the reed on their forehead. In this form, it is very cool to the touch.
The white part of the reed is also used to help ease alcohol-related hangovers. The totora reeds are a primary source of food. The Uru also makes a reed flower tea.
