Kumi

KUMBI: A BIOGRAPHICAL INTRODUCTION

Born in the capital of Peru to Aymara-Tiwanakota migrant parents from present-day Bolivia, Kumbi Carlos belongs—by both heritage and a courageous, persevering choice—to a lineage of weavers, writers, and textile archivists. These ancestors helped the Andean world and it’s “Panacas” (royal lineages) build the Inca Empire, utilizing “Tokapu”, symbols on their garments as a form of communication and a means to express their worldview.

Kumbi’s path began when he made the timely decision to ask his mother to teach him to weave at the age of 15; now 39, he has fully embraced his roles as an Amauta (Master Weaver), a “Qulliri” (Plant Healer), a researcher, a farmer and a carpenter.

Kumbi works, promotes, and embodies the ancestral knowledge safeguarded and transmitted through Inca textiles. By bringing textiles featuring “Tokapu” symbols—which represent the Andean worldview—into the present day, he helps awaken the consciousness of those rooted of the Andean ancestors who created the Inca Empire.

Supported and protected by the spirit of “Taky Onqoy” — (the gestation of song, dance, and music)—he crafts and shares his musical instruments with the greater public. He also organizes and facilitates drum circles, activating “medicine rhythms” or frequencies that foster the awakening of higher consciousness and a connection to the divine. He believes that through this reception of this sacred energy — or “kamak” — human beings can discover their inner divinity; thereby attaining healing for their mind, body and soul.

It is through his ancestral path, working with ancient textiles and instruments, he was identified as a potential “Quilliri” (Plant Healer). His community recognized his musical skills and commitment to his craft at a young age. Once identified, elders taught him the “ways of the past” and how to work with mater plant teachers. He completed dietas with dozens of plant medicines, while traveling between the Amazon and Andes of Bolivia and Peru. He’s also sought out teachers throughout the world as considers himself still a student – always looking to learn so he can better serve.

In this capacity, he shares Ayahuasca, San Pedro (Wachumo), Willka, and other numerous plants that Pachamama (Mother Earth) – in her immense love and wisdom – has created to help humanity find itself, awaken its highest center, and activate its inner divinity.