In The dance of devil, the female character of the devil is the China Supay.
The Legend of the China Supay in the Oruro Carnival
In The dance of devil, the female character of the devil is the China Supay, also known as the female of the devil. In this dance it embodies the temptation of the flesh, it is irreverent, beautiful and sinful. He is present with his companions of the infernal hosts to fight and try to tempt Archangel Michael in the story of the devil.The absolute control of Lucifer and Satan over "China supay"
The Chinese Supay bleached by Lucifer and Satan, advances in zigzag leaps, that way of walking seems to draw a snake that leads directly to the gates of hell. In dance, like all devils, she is guarded by the Archangel Saint Michael and accompanied by bears, condors.The platonic love of "China supay": the archangel Michael
China Supay does not dance at the carnival just for devotion to the Virgin of Socavón, her dance is also to seduce the leader who commands the troops and conquer the love of the Archangel Saint Michael, who, despite being his rival and the rival of the Uncle, it is his platonic love, the love of his loves, but an impossible love after all, because if she, far from bewitching men with the provocative movement of his hips, embodies the attributes of an infernal being and represents one of the seven deadly sins "Lust" which is totally opposite to what the Archangel represents, which in this dance is the image of good that fights against evil.
The Spectacular Costume and Mask of the Bolivian China Supay
We will explore the artisanal details, colors, and embroidery of traditional women's clothing. Their attire is a fusion of pre-Hispanic and Spanish colonial elements, designed to represent temptation. The ensemble consists of the following garments and accessories:
Mask:
This is the most elaborate and expensive piece of the costume. It represents a woman with seductive features, but with demonic details (fangs, pointed ears, and coiled snakes).
Breastplate (or Breastplate):
A rigid structure richly embroidered with gold and silver threads, sequins, and gemstone inlays. It usually features an embroidered figure of a devil's face or a snake in the center.Blouse:
Generally long-sleeved and fitted, in dark or bright colors.Short Skirt:
Unlike the traditional Bolivian dress, the China Supay wears a shorter, multi-layered skirt to facilitate the agile, sensual, and transgressive movements of the dance. The predominant colors are red, black, and gold.Boots:
Tall, long-shafted boots, also embroidered and decorated with fringe or rhinestones.Handkerchiefs:
Brightly colored silk handkerchiefs carried to complement the turns and choreographic movements.Trident:
A small trident carried in the hand, symbolizing her connection to the underworld and temptation.What is the China Supay? Meaning and Mythological Roots
We will discover the history behind this character by exploring its meaning in Andean mythology and the process of cultural syncretism that intertwines the pre-Hispanic Andean worldview and the Catholic sacramental theater of Spain.
Mythological Roots and Andean Worldview
The concept of the Supay in the Andean world predates the arrival of the Spanish and bears little relation to the Judeo-Christian view of the devil.
Deity of the Ancestors:
Originally, the Supay represented the dead, the ancestors, and the souls that inhabited the interior of the earth. Some indigenous people worshipped dark beings such as the serpent and lizard and performed rituals involving animal and human sacrifices.
Symbol of fertility:
On the other hand, its rituals also had links to the land and the agricultural cycle; it was also associated with fertility and gratitude to Pachamama.Sacred duality:
In the Uru culture tradition, Supay was an ambivalent, powerful, and respected deity, often associated with the Huari god, the serpent.
Syncretism and Character Creation
With the arrival of Catholic missionaries, ancient Andean deities, such as the serpent, were demonized to facilitate evangelization. However, the local culture managed to camouflage its beliefs by creating an amalgam of myths.
Sacramental plays:
Some of the indigenous people had a savage way of life that lacked humanization. The Spanish had to perform medieval theatrical representations, such as the battle between the Archangel Saint Michael and the seven deadly sins, to catechize the indigenous population.
The Temptation:
In this moral tale, the China Supay embodies the last resort of the forces of evil, tempting the Archangel Michael with flesh and earthly desire.Origin of the name:
Her name comes from the fusion of the Quechua word "china" (which formerly designated the feminine or female) and "supay" (demon or Andean spirit).The Role of Women in the Diablada: From Past to Present
Learn how women's participation evolved to become one of the most prominent elements of the dance. The choreography of the Diablada narrative assigns the China Supay a dynamic and provocative role.
Final Surrender:
After defying good, the devil and the other infernal hosts end up surrendering to the Archangel Saint Michael and the Virgin of Socavón, symbolizing the victory of the spiritual order.Initial Attire:
Historically, since women were prohibited from participating in colonial festivities, the China Supay was portrayed by men dressed in skirts and masks with feminine and devilish features.Modern participation:
Currently, this role is performed with great skill by women, who stand out for their agility, sensuality in the dance and the splendor of their embroidered costumes.Female Devil:
China Supay is a central female character in the Diablada Dance, the emblematic dance of the Oruro Carnival. She represents the personification of the she-devil, Lucifer's companion, the temptation of the flesh, lust, one of the seven deadly sins.Symbolism of the China Supay: Good vs. Evil in Bolivian Folklore
Now we will examine the duality and religious and cultural syncretism that this figure represents in folklore. Her figure embodies temptation, Andean-Spanish cultural syncretism, and the eternal duality between good and evil, personifying the seductive side of the forces of the underworld.
The China Supay embodies earthly passions and deceptive beauty. Her role in the dance is to tempt the miners and dancers, who ultimately seek redemption before the Virgin of the Mineshaft.
How to Experience the Diablada and China Supay in Bolivia
To experience this cultural expression firsthand, there are key moments and places you can't miss:
Oruro Carnival:
This is the ultimate expression of this dance, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is celebrated every year in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday in the city of Oruro.
