Macintyre: Edge of Existence
Bolivia
TV-PG
S1 E3 Jun 14, 2007 60mDonal MacIntyre puts his life and reputation on the line as he tries to live at the limits of human habitation in this four-part documentary series. In this final episode, Donal travels to the one of the most inhospitable places on earth –the high mountains of the Andes –to follow Quechuan Indians in their native environment.
Donal’s latest adventure has brought him to the altiplanoregion of Bolivia, a mountainous area some 17,000 feet above sea level. This harsh land is home to the Quechuan Indians, an indigenous people who pre-date the Incas. The highly spiritual Quechuan eke out a living in one of the remotest regions of South America’s poorest country.
Donal is initiated into Quechuan life when he arrives in a small town and witnesses a ritual to celebrate Pachamama, or Mother Earth. The Indians, dressed like Spanish Conquistadors, sacrifice a sheep to appease the gods and set its still-beating heart on the ground. A dance ensues, in which the Indians – fired by alcohol – engage in mock fights. Donal is dragged into the ritual, enduring kicks and punches before being wrestled to the ground.
Donal’s latest adventure has brought him to the altiplanoregion of Bolivia, a mountainous area some 17,000 feet above sea level. This harsh land is home to the Quechuan Indians, an indigenous people who pre-date the Incas. The highly spiritual Quechuan eke out a living in one of the remotest regions of South America’s poorest country.
Donal is initiated into Quechuan life when he arrives in a small town and witnesses a ritual to celebrate Pachamama, or Mother Earth. The Indians, dressed like Spanish Conquistadors, sacrifice a sheep to appease the gods and set its still-beating heart on the ground. A dance ensues, in which the Indians – fired by alcohol – engage in mock fights. Donal is dragged into the ritual, enduring kicks and punches before being wrestled to the ground.
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