The Colonial Churches of the Cotahuasi Canyon

Abstract

The colonial churches of the Cotahuasi Canyon in Peru are among the least known in
the history of viceregal architecture. Before 2010 none of them appeared in a scholarly
publication even though they include three important examples of the Andean Hybrid
Baroque style, better known as “mestizo baroque,” including the second-oldest dated
work (1679). Although dependent upon the archbishopric of Cuzco these churches
have closer stylistic affinities with Arequipa and Caylloma and some of them were
likely built and carved by artists and artisans from those regions. Drawing upon new
photographic and archival material this study considers seven of these churches, including
San Martín de Tours (1679) and La Inmaculada Concepción (1792–96) in Cotahuasi, La
Inmaculada Concepción in Taurisma (1687), Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Tomepampa
(17th century, renovated 1803), San Pedro in Alca (late 17th – 19th century), Jesús
Nazareno in Cachana (late 18th – early 19th century), and El Señor de la Exaltación
in Visve (late 17th – 19th century). It describes these churches, relates what is known
about their histories, and briefly examines affinities with the architecture of Arequipa
and Caylloma The purpose of this article is not just to introduce these churches into
the canon but also to increase awareness of their importance at a time when most of
them are threatened by lack of upkeep and theft.