América Latina
In photos: The 'cholets,' a symbol of new wave andean architecture in Bolivia
These colorful, nouveau riche mansions have popped up all over the streets of El Alto, the city that sits high above the capital, La Paz. They are known as 'cholets,' a reference to the indigenous Aymara people who live in the city.
Bolivian architect Freddy Mamani is the creator of the 'cholets' style, colorful mansions with an extravagant touch, seen as the mark of a new class of indegenous Aymara bourgeoisie.
Freddy Mamani / Facebook
Mamani began in El Alto, the sister city of La Paz and was hired principally by peasant farmers who migrated from the east of the country.
Aizar Raldes / AFP / Getty Images
Many of the families who live in the cholets use the ground floor as a party room or a store, while living on the upper floors.
Aizar Raldes / AFP / Getty Images
Mamani gets his inspiration from two principal sources: the architecture of the tiwanacota and elements of traditional Aymara culture.
Aizar Raldes / AFP / Getty Images
That is reflected in the bright colors and the copying of indigenous textile patterns.
Martín Alipaz / Efe
SAccording to Mamani, the average price of the buildings goes from $200,000 to $500,000 dólares.
Aizar Raldes / AFP / Getty Images
In Aymara culture the buildings possess what is known as ajayu, meaning they have a spirit and life of their own.
Aizar Raldes / AFP / Getty Images
"In Aymara culture everything has life," says Mamani. "When the Aymara build something it's not just for them, rather they invite the whole of society to share in a sacrifice, with music and food."
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