Victor Chura Quispe

Victor is an Andean wisdomkeeper, also known as a P’aqo, born in the remote mountains of Q’eros, southeast of Cusco. Raised in a community where the traditions + customs of their Incan ancestors are still practiced, Victor was exposed to many healing methods and ceremonies from a young age. He lived and studied with his grandfather, a wisdomkeeper himself, and cultivated close relationships with the Apus {mountain spirits} and Pachamama {mother earth}. As his studies + experience deepened, he trained with others and came to bear the title of Pampamisayoc, a highly regarded yet humble position that he carries with pride + integrity.His wife Celia, pictured here with Victor, is also from the same community in the Q’eros nation. Celia is the granddaughter of the oldest living female altomisayoc in Peru, Mama Maria Apaza, essentially the highest level of Andean priest/ess that exists - though really there is no hierarchy. Celia carries this lineage, as does Victor, since he too has trained with Mama María. Together, they are passing on these important traditions through their youngest daughter, Angelica, who is eager to learn the ways of her ancestors.Victor is a powerful + potent being, but one of his most admirable qualities is his playfulness + childlike innocence. People always find themselves smiling and laughing in his presence, and he helps to remind us that even though this work can be quite serious, we don’t always have to take ourselves too seriously!