Wiphala: Encyclopedia - Wiphala

Wiphala

The Wiphala is a square emblem, commonly used as a flag, representing the native peoples of the central Andes and Amazon region of South America. It is composed of a 7-by-7 square patchwork in seven colours, arranged diagonally. The colour of the longest diagonal line (seven squares) determines which of the four suyus (regions) the flag represents: white for Qullan, yellow for Kuntin, red for Cinchay, and green for Antin. There is also an alternate pattern for the Wiphala for Antinsuyu. Additionally a Wiphala also exists for Tupac Katari and the Tupac Katari Guerrilla Army.

The seven colours of the Wiphala originate from the visible spectrum (see rainbow). The significance and meanings for each colour are as follows:

• Red: The Earth and the Andean man
• Orange: Society and culture
• Yellow: Energy
• White: Time
• Green: Natural resources
• Blue: The heavens
• Violet: Andean government and self-determination

Bolivian President-Elect Evo Morales has expressed his intention to incorporate elements of the Wiphala into the Flag of Bolivia. The precise configuration depends on the particular suyu represented by the emblem.

Wiphala - Wiphalas of the Suyus

Wiphala - Related links

• http://www.pusinsuyu.com/english/html/wiphala.html
• http://www.katari.org/wiphala/wiphala.htm
• http://users.aol.com/Donh523/navapage/others.htm
• http://www.indigenas.bioetica.org/wiphala.htm

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Wiphala", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki