BOLIVIA
Bolivia is located in South America, in the Andes
Mountains, and is populated by Native Americans. It is
distinguished by a unique blend of Spanish cultural
elements and ancestral traditions. The Spanish-speaking
population, which is the most "westernized," is wellknown for its eclectic mix of cultural roots and traditions,
which dates back to the colonial and republican periods of
its history. The presence of stone monuments, skillfully
made ceramics, gold and silver ornamentation, and
weaving characterized the pre-Columbian era, before the
colonization of the country's cultural environment. This
era is represented by the ruins of Samaipata, Iskanwaya,
Tiwanaku, and Incallajita.
The arrival of the Spanish in the pre-Columbian era
signaled the beginning of what became a unique blend of
traditional culture and the Spanish tradition of religious
art. After interactions with local "mestizo" artisans and
builders, as well as the indigenous population, the
resultant mix resulted in the development of a distinct and
rich style of literature, sculptural craft "Mestizo Baroque,"
and architecture. Legendary Flores, Bitti, and Perez de
Holguin's skillfully crafted artworks combining stones,
gold, silver, and wood with paintings can be traced back
to the colonial period. In the twentieth century, notable
artists included Maria Luisa Pacheco, Marina Nunez Del
Prado, and Alfredo Da Silva (Galván, 2011).