El Tio

By Crusader1307

''His'' origins may be traced to the mid-19th Century (and His Cult is still somewhat practiced among the Poor Working Class), ''El Tio'' (or ''The Uncle'') is a ''fetish figure'' created and ''worshiped'' in certain parts of Bolivia (South America). ''He'' is relative to ''folk religions'' such as Voodu. But unlike that ''Practice'', El Tio has no Christian overtones. As such ''He'' is more ''Pagan'' than a traditional religious ritual or icon. Created by Miners, El Tio is a handcrafted, mostly life-sized figure, made from clay and paper mache. He is frequently ''posed' (clothed or unclothed), and often had ''enlarged'' private parts (when fiertility or virility is required). Offerings of alcohol, cigarettes and money are pinned or likewise placed all over the ''body'' of El Tio. In this, The Miner who gave the offering will be protected from mine collapse or death. El Tio is never taken from a Mine. He is seen as ''Protector of The Underworld'' (in that The Mine is considered as such to The Miners). To remove His image is to invite calamity.