Jose Maria Arguedas and the defense of popular art and Andean music

Jose Maria Arguedas and the defense of the Andean culture has been one of his main concerns (1911-1969), as we can see on his writings and research and in the Andean world and their cultural and artistic manifestations and also in the communities' compilations such as: story, poetry, songs and music. Through Arguedas articles selection, that are part of his Obra antropologica (2012) and by this paper, we focus on the defense of the popular art and the Andean music in his anthropologist reflection. His judgements put into discussion: issues related to the authenticity of artistic and musical expressions, the identity, as a sign of the Andean spirit, the market impact on the artistic production and the conflict that may arise between the preservation and its adaptation. What is more, the Arguedas' position related to the diffusion and the promotion of folklore music in the process of migration, which acquire decisive importance, in the affirmation of Andean culture in Lima city.