Bolivia

Archaeological evidence of musical activity in the Andean highlands of Bolivia, particularly at Tiwanaku, is scarce compared to that from early Peruvian coastal cultures. A 17th-century creation myth by Bernabe Cobo describes humans being fashioned from mud at Tiwanaku, each endowed with language to sing their multiplicity of songs. The study explores the cultural and historical context of musical traditions in Bolivia, highlighting the influence of the Inka Empire's expansion around 1450, which introduced Quechua-speaking groups into key regions like Cochabamba and Tarija. Additionally, it examines the role of Jesuit missions in promoting European-style music while sometimes adapting indigenous instruments to suit new musical styles.

Stobart, H. (2021). Bolivia. The Garland Handbook of Latin American Music, 326–343. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003249986-28