Why the Shipibo-Konibo left the Forest and settled in Lima?

The history of the community Shipibo Konibo and their migration from the Amazon to Lima is a story of cultural adaptation and the pursuit of opportunities in an urban environment very different from that of its origin.

The Shipibo Konibo are native to the amazonian regions of Peru, specifically in the basins of the rivers Ucayali and the Huallaga. Its history of migration to Lima has roots both in economic factors, such as in the search of better educational opportunities and health. Over the last few decades, many members of the community have left their ancestral communities in search of work in the capital, as well as to escape the poverty and lack of basic services in rural areas.

Once in Lima, the Shipibo Konibo have formed communities in various districts of the city, such as The Rimac and Villa El Salvador, among others. Here, have established spaces where they can preserve their culture, language and traditions, while adapting well to the urban realities and to the life moderna. This includes the practice of their traditional crafts like embroidery and ceramics, which are valued as much for their beauty as for their cultural significance.

In addition, the community Shipibo Konibo in Lima have found ways to maintain ties with their land of origin, through festivities, rituals, and community events to reinforce their identity and social cohesion. Despite the challenges they face, such as discrimination and the lack of official recognition of their territorial rights, the Shipibo Konibo continue to actively contribute to the cultural diversity and the human heritage of the city of Lima.