Abel Mamani

Khantati

Luthier

©Mauricio Novoa

Strings to save Aymara culture

Abel has revived the craft of making ancestral bandolas
Music is a huge part of his life
He is inspired by the traditional expressions of his people

Abel Mamani learned everything he knows thanks to previous generations teaching him the essence of his craft. His parents and grandparents verbally transmitted to him the knowledge of the Aymara culture. Bandola is the name given to a series of stringed instruments that were of great importance in 17th century Spain for the development of the Flamenco Fandango and that are currently very popular in countries such as Chile, Colombia or Venezuela. At first Abel wanted to put this traditional music centre-stage, to strengthen and rescue the melodies of his ancestors, to preserve them for the new generations. "The music was at a critical point and was almost lost. Not only the music, but also the making of instruments," says Abel. He started as a bandola restorer, but quickly began designing his own models. "I really like working to improve everything that leads to the strengthening of the traditional expressions of the Aymara nation," says Abel.

Interview

©Mauricio Novoa

©Mauricio Novoa

How do you reclaim the traditional in your work?: I do it by playing the instruments of my culture, an inheritance left by my ancestors. I celebrate musical expressions such as the sikuris, bandolas, lichiguayus, or pinquillos. I am president of a cultural association of the Sikuris, and a member of an Aymara musical group.
How do you embrace innovation in this context?: In the manufacture of bandolas, I have improved the flat structures, using more updated techniques, fine woods, and better finishes. With all this, I achieved a more defined sonority, with more body. One of my pieces was awarded with the seal Artesanía Indígena de Chile 2019 by the Catholic University of Chile.
What do you like most about your profession?: I like the constant contact with people and sharing the same forms of musical expression. I like that they value the great work and art that I deliver to all Andean communities. I define myself as a great contributor to the revitalisation of traditional music practices with Aymara roots.
Do you also enjoy training new generations?: Yes, I train new luthiers and artisan musicians. To the younger ones, I would say to be encouraged and to join the strengthening of Aymara musical practices. I would suggest them to support Aymara culture.

Abel Mamani is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1985 and he started teaching in 2020