Waubonsee Community College

Children of the silver mountain, by Juan S. Betancor

spa

videorecording

For College; Adult audiences

Children of the silver mountain

electronic resource

794307393

by Juan S. Betancor

53

Criminal justice and public safety in video

The mines of Bolivia date back to 1545 when the Spanish conquerors who discovered pure silver in an Inca region dominated by a mountain they named Cerro Rico. At its base the city of Potosi grew, along with the largest mining industry of its time. Four centuries later the mines still produce silver, zinc and lead while the miners work in hazardous conditions that have changed little over the years. The film gives a brief history of COMIBOL, the multi-mineral corporation controlled by organized labor which failed to keep pace with modern technology. In 1985, when the tin market collapsed and Bolivia faced hyperinflation, COMIBOL shut down most of its activities. In its place miners formed small cooperatives and continued to earn a meager livelihood. The film shows the difficulties of the miners lives--long hours that can only sustained by the chewing of coca leaves. Much of the labor is done by hand-- even women crush rocks with hammers in search of silver. Silicosis is rampant for the miners breathe air laden with silicon particles. Despite these hardships, the miners feel a pride in their profession and in the tradition they are maintaining. Like their ancestors they put their faith in an ancient demon god known as "El Tio" and curry his favor with offerings. The extraordinary cinematography brings the viewer close to the people and the breathtaking landscape that is their home

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