Uros
Item
- Title
- Uros
- Description
- "This photo captures a moment with Rueben, our gracious host during my stay with the Uros community on Lake Titicaca. He took us on a tour, sharing stories about his culture. The Uros, residing on the Floating Islands, have thrived on the water for over two millennia. Their unique way of life emerged from a deep understanding of the reed plants found in the lake. They discovered a species that naturally floats with its soil and roots, enabling them to construct foundations and structures in the midst of Lake Titicaca, the largest fresh water lake in South America. Initially, this innovation served as a refuge from their land enemies. Remarkably, during the Spanish invasion, the Uros survived by ferrying the Spanish across the lake, avoiding conflict. These floating islands, crafted from living reed plant architecture, epitomize the collaboration between humans and nature. The plants never would have grown in such density and formed islands without the Uros people. Rueben’s family made us amazing food. Their kids saw us as larger-sized children and played with us. Rueben emphasized how the Uros people never lived beyond their means and how it’s their generational ethos to take from nature only what they need. Today, the majority of homes on these floating islands run entirely on solar energy. Witnessing communities like theirs make conscientious choices in designing their lives for the betterment of future generations left me feeling hopeful yet unsettled, as their life stands in stark contrast with the culture of excessive consumption in the society I inhabit." Taken by Erica Hu. Submited to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.
- Creator(s)
- Erica Hu
- Audience
- All audiences/General public
- Rights
- This information and image were submitted directly to RESTORExchange.
- Issues
- english Water
- Relation
-
Sustainability Photo Contest
Lake Titicaca (Peruvian sector), Puno, Peru
Item: Uros