MARTIN CHAMBI
On this Indigenous Peoples Day, we remember Martin Chambi, a photographer who captured Andean communities with dignity and preserved Peru’s cultural heritage, making a lasting contribution to the Indigenism movement.
Remembering the enduring legacy of Martin Chambi, an indigenous indigenista who dedicated his life to capturing Andean communities and their everyday life with dignity. He preserved and promoted regional folklore and Peru’s pre-Columbian cultural heritage, highlighting traditions and identities that had long been marginalised. Through his lens, he challenged prejudices and transformed the representation of Peru’s native peoples, leaving an indelible mark on the Indigenism movement.
A multifaceted cultural and political movement spanning several Latin American countries, Indigenism emerged in the early 20th century to recognise, celebrate, and defend the rights and identity of Indigenous peoples, who had long been marginalised by colonial and post-colonial structures.
Julia Chambi, his daughter, continued to carry forward this commitment to celebrating and sharing the beauty and strength of Andean culture.
