Ceramic figure of el Tio or Supai, a creature with horns, gleaming eyes and a big penis, that in fact is not really satanic. It was introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th Century to the mines of Potosi. According to tradition, el Tio (The Uncle) rules over the mines of Cerro Rico, simultaneously offering protection and destruction. Over 500 chambers with statues to honour him have been constructed in Cerro Rico, so miners can leave offerings of tobacco, liquor and coca leaves to invoke his goodwill and protection., Potosi Department, Bolivia

bolivia bolivian south america latin america estado plurinacional de bolivia animism beliefs creed faith miners mining religion spirituality unesco world heritage site tio statue mine cerro rico potosi