A quechua (inca) ceremony for peace, conducted on sacred ground at Pikillacta, the location of extensive ruins from the Wari culture. Pikillacta is located in the Valle Sur, about an hour from Cusco in the Peruvian Andes.

The feather is from a sacred American owl, the plants traditional medicine of the area. All are now planted in the sacred soil overlooking this site for the future.

… one of twelve images featured in the America del Sur – 2009 Calendar, which can be viewed here

• Fifty per cent of artist proceeds from internet sales of cards and prints from this image will be donated by the artist to the Medical Association for Prevention of War to support their efforts in working towards a future free from armed conflict.

• This Image is dedicated to the memory of my oldest friend, Jacalyne Sherlock who died on 7 November 2008 when the light plane she traveling in crashed near Bathurst (Australia) killing all on board. Jac was a health worker who spent much of her adult life in Canada, where the feather shown was given to me. She was a deeply spiritual person, unstoppably full of life. May she rest in peace and may her dreams live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her well.