Muysca Sanctuary: A Tribute to Ancestral Spirituality.

Tunja, Land of Many Sanctuaries:

In the heart of Tunja, Boyacá, stands a mystical work that pays tribute to the rich spiritual heritage of the Muysca people. This mural, titled “Muysca Sanctuary”, is a creation inspired by the diversity and depth of the sanctuaries, temples and offerings of this ancient culture that remains latent in the Boyacá territory. The city, known in pre-Columbian times as “Hunza-Hua”, was an epicenter of spirituality and devotion, with numerous sanctuaries that housed offerings of great spiritual value.

The Importance of Offerings

Offerings were a central element in the religious life of the Muyscas. These could range from food, seeds and blankets, to incense, animals and, occasionally, human beings. Each offering was a sign of gratitude and an act of reciprocity towards the natural world and its spiritual entities, seeking to maintain balance and harmony in the world.

Event: IV Congress of Graffiti and Muralism “Alta Presión” Measurements: 29.5 x 7.5 Ft | Location: Tunja, Boyacá, CO.

Sacred Birds and Their Symbolism

Birds occupied a special place in the Muysca worldview. Vultures and condors, for example, were seen as spiritual guides that facilitated the transit of the soul between the world of the living and the afterlife. Macaws and parrots, on the other hand, were considered divine messengers, bearers of messages and wishes from humans to their deities.

Bohíos: Temples of Transformation

The bohíos, or temples, were sacred spaces where important rituals and ceremonies were performed. These places not only housed offerings and bodies of deceased leaders, but were also centers of spiritual preparation. In these places, young people destined to mediate between the spiritual and earthly worlds prepared for their roles, carrying out fasts and taking sacred plants, essential for the transformation and strengthening of their connection with the sacred worlds.

Spiritual Leaders and Their Veneration

According to the chronicles of Fray Pedro Simón, in Hunza-Hua there was a unique tradition: political and spiritual leaders were venerated as sanctuaries after their death. Their internal organs were replaced by offerings of gold and emeralds, symbolizing their transformation and their eternal connection with the divine.

Sacred Spaces in Nature

The Muyscas considered certain natural environments as sanctuaries. Moors, lagoons, rivers and caves were places of great spiritual importance, where sacred offerings and rituals were performed. These spaces were seen as connecting points between the human and divine worlds, and were carefully preserved and respected.

Conclution

The mural “Muysca Sanctuary” is not only a magical artwork, but also a reminder of the deep spirituality and wisdom of the Muyscas. Through its images and symbols, it invites us to reflect on our own relationship with the natural and spiritual world, and to value the ancestral traditions that remain latent in the history and culture of the Boyacense people.

This article seeks to capture the essence of this work and its meaning, offering a deep and respectful view of the Muysca heritage. It is a tribute to a culture that, through its sanctuaries and offerings, left us a legacy of spirituality and connection with the universe.