Wiphala

We, the Andean First Nations, have always had our own emblems, which are really different from those of the Neo-Colonial States. The followers of the Colonies, the Republics, in the name of a supposed independence, imposed us their occidental rectangular flags.

Neo-Colonial Flags of the Republics

Our Native Emblems

Regional Emblems

The word Wiphala comes from two Aymara words: “Wiphay” which is an expression of joy approximately meaning “Go”, and “phalax” which is the sound produced by a flag floating in the wind.”

Wiphalas of the Four Suyus

Each region (Suyu) of the Andean Territory has its own Wiphala of corresponding color:

Antisuyu : Green

Cuntisuyu: Yellow

Qullasuyu: White

Chinchaysuyu: Red

Each Suyu also has its own Wiphala of 49 squares, identificated by the color of the diagonal line (from left to right and from up to down) attributed to each Suyu. .

Wiphala of 49 squares

Each color owns a meaning. The Wiphala is not only a flag, but also the representation of the Lunar-Solar calendar of the Andean First Nations..

The Wiphala, present in every community event and ceremony, identificates the communitarian system of the Andes, based on equality, equity, harmony , solidarity and reciprocity.

Moreover, it is  a symbol of the First Nations’ resistance, its use having been illegalized by the Republics, but nowadays it is floating in the wind like never before in the Andean First Nations Territory. It is another manifestation of the Pachakuti Era, the return to the Earth without evil.

For more complete information about the Wiphala, its meaning, its origins, its use, we recommend visiting the website (in Spanish): http://www.katari.org/wiphala/wiphala.htm