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  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
A Land Diver, with vines tied to his ankles, launches himself from the Land Diving tower in front of a small group of tourists at the Lonorore Land Diving site on Pentecost Island. Vanuatu.
    Land Divers 020.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
A Land Diver, with vines tied to his ankles, launches himself from the Land Diving tower in front of a small group of tourists at the Lonorore Land Diving site on Pentecost Island. Vanuatu.
    Land Divers 019.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
A Land Diver, with vines tied to his ankles, launches himself from the Land Diving tower in front of a small group of tourists at the Lonorore Land Diving site on Pentecost Island. Vanuatu.
    Land Divers 018.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
A Land Diver, with vines tied to his ankles, launches himself from the Land Diving tower in front of a small group of tourists at the Lonorore Land Diving site on Pentecost Island. Vanuatu.
    Land Divers 016.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages of all ages, dressed in traditional costume at the base of the tower, dance and sing with ever increasing tempo, the pulsating chanting is accompanied by whoop whoop sounds that build the anticipation of the waiting audience at the Land Diving.
    Land Divers 015.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages of all ages, dressed in traditional costume at the base of the tower, dance and sing with ever increasing tempo, the pulsating chanting is accompanied by whoop whoop sounds that build the anticipation of the waiting audience at the Land Diving.
    Land Divers 014.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 010.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 008.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 007.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages dig holes for the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 004.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Vines are collected from the highest regions of Pentecost to be used in the Land Diving.
    Land Divers 001.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Two Land Divers wearing traditional Nambas (penis shields) before the Land Diving ceremony.
    Land Divers 021.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
A Land Diver, with vines tied to his ankles, launches himself from the Land Diving tower in front of a small group of tourists at the Lonorore Land Diving site on Pentecost Island. Vanuatu.
    Land Divers 017.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 013.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 012.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 011.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 009.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Villages during the construction of the Land Diving tower on the hillside at Lonorore, Pentecost.
    Land Divers 005.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Claude Asal collecting vines from the hills of Pentecost Island to be used in the Land Diving.
    Land Divers 003.TIF
  • For three months of the year, on the remote South Pacific island of Pentecost, the tradition of land diving takes place. A tower is built from timber and vines collected from the hills around the dive site. Diving takes place between March and June when the vines are strong. The death defying dives are performed each Saturday, or when tourist cruise ships visit the Island throughout these months. The local tribes around Lonohore gather to perform the land diving as a sporting spectacle for the tourists visiting the island. A vine is tied to each ankle of the divers and the men and boys dive from different levels, some as high as ten meters.   <br />
They hurl themselves off the platform diving at the solid ground below and are saved only by the vines which pull them back from the jaws of death inches from the ground. <br />
Land diving is an ancient tradition on the island and is now considered 'professional' by the divers who are rewarded for there dives by the money paid by tourists visiting the land dive site. But the money doesn't go to the individual; it goes to the village of the diver to help support that community. The divers are paid according to which jump level platform they dive off, which ranges from around A$6 from the lowest platform to A$30 for diving from the highest platform.<br />
<br />
Vines are collected from the highest regions of Pentecost to be used in the Land Diving.
    Land Divers 002.TIF
  • A villager passed out in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ...Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_034.JPG
  • Rival Women villagers fight  in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_033.JPG
  • Police watch over one on one fighting between rival villagers in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_032.JPG
  • Police watch over one on one fighting between rival villagers in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ...Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_030.JPG
  • Police watch over one on one fighting between rival villagers in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ...Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_029.JPG
  • Rival villagers clash in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_025.JPG
  • Police watch over one on one fighting between rival villagers in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_024.JPG
  • Rival villagers clash in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_022.JPG
  • An injured villager lies unconscious and badly injured, after fighting between rival villages in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_020.JPG
  • Police use tear gas to disperse villagers as fighting gets out of control between rival villages during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_016.JPG
  • Villagers watch from a doorway as rival villages fight in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_015.JPG
  • Rival village groups fight in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_013.JPG
  • Rival village groups fight in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_012.JPG
  • An injured villager, with severe bleeding from the back of the head is aided by a women after fighting in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_009.JPG
  • Rival villagers clash in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_008.JPG
  • Rival villagers clash in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_007.JPG
  • Villagers arrive and run through the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_001.JPG
  • Police use tear gas to disperse villagers as fighting gets out of control between rival villages during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_017.JPG
  • Police watch over one on one fighting between rival villagers in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ...Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_031.JPG
  • Police watch over one on one fighting between rival villagers in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ...Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_028.JPG
  • Police watch over one on one fighting between rival villagers in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_027.JPG
  • Rival villagers clash in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_026.JPG
  • Rival villagers clash in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_023.JPG
  • An injured villager lies unconscious and badly injured, after fighting between rival villages in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_021.JPG
  • An injured villager lies unconscious and badly injured, after fighting between rival villages in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_019.JPG
  • Police use tear gas to disperse villagers as fighting gets out of control between rival villages during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_018.JPG
  • Rival village groups fight in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_014.JPG
  • An male villager is prevented from fighting by a women during fighting in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_011.JPG
  • An injured villager, lies unconscious after fighting in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_010.JPG
  • Villagers arrive and run through the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_006.JPG
  • Villagers arrive and run through the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton .. up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_005.JPG
  • Villagers arrive and run through the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_004.JPG
  • Villagers arrive and run through the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_003.JPG
  • Villagers dance in the streets of Macha during the Tinku Festival. Macha, Bolivia, 4th May 2010, Photo Tim Clayton ..Each May, up to 3000 thousands indigenous Bolivian indians descend on the isolated mountainous village of Macha 75 miles north of Potosi in the Bolivian Andes. The 600 year old pre-hispanic Bolivia Festival of Tinku sees villagers from all over the region march into town to be pitted against each other in a toe to toe fist to fist combat.. They dance and sing in traditional costume and drink 96% proof alcohol along with chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn. Townspeople and sometimes the police oversee proceedings who often use tear gas to try and control the villages, whipped into a fighting frenzy by the dancing and alcohol, but as the fiesta goes on things often escalate beyond their control, with pitched battles between rival villages break out,  The blood spilt is an offering to the earth goddess - Pachamama - to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. Over the years dozens have died, yet the rite continues.
    100504_Clayton_Tinku_002.JPG
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