Global Cholas In Bolivian Lucha Libre

Global Cholas in Bolivian Lucha Libre

Lucha libre, which means Free Wrestling, is a becoming an increasingly popular phenomenon in Bolivia. The growing popularity of lucha libre can be partially explained by the participation of female indigenous cholitas luchadoras (wrestling cholitas) in it. Cholas, women of indigenous origin that wear traditional outfit, are often perceived worldwide as national symbol of Bolivia. Their performance in lucha libre is seen as an authentic example of Latin American culture and, at the same time, as an exotic experience for audience (“Chola in A Choke Hold” 1-2). But what is the extent of truthfulness in the authenticity of Bolivian luchadoras? Is their decision to be authentic and exotic in the eyes of international

Their standard wrestling outfit is a full head mask and tight unitards. Female luchadoras would also wrestle wearing the same type of outfit until 2001. However, in 2001, these women decided to switch to indigenous Bolivian outfit, the main parts of which are pollera (a large layered skirt) and bowler hat. Since then their popularity among tourists increased dramatically. Nowadays, cholitas luchadoras not only fight against each other, but also against male wrestlers (“Global Cholas” 435). In their performances they act like fictional characters with either good or bad qualities. Bad characters are typically rough, tricky and coward, while good characters portray themselves as graceful acrobats. Most of the female wrestlers in La Paz area are in their twenties and thirties, have children, and belong to the families in which father or brother is luchador. Lucha libre is not the only source of income for this woman; normally they are also employed in other jobs. Traditional dress is used by cholitas luchadoras only for performances; during the trainings they wear sport clothing, and switch to the Western-style outfits in their leisure time (“Global Cholas”

The luchadoras themselves name increased mobility and higher social status as the major advantages of their profession. Being a successful wrestler gives Bolivian woman an opportunity to travel around the world, it makes her popular in the local community (“Global Cholas” 442). The inhabitants of the Andean region share the opinion that cholita luchadora represents the empowerment of indigenous women in Bolivia. In colonial times indigenous women was perceived subordinate and, therefore, exploited by colonizers (“Global Cholas” 438). In the present days the Bolivian women show their strength to the rest of the world and promote gender equality by participating in the wrestling competition. They deconstruct the myth of Latin American women being a subject to males’ violence caused by machismo complex. Luchadoras become role models for other indigenous people in Bolivia and their leaders towards the change for the better (“Global Cholas” 443).

A Critical View on the Representation of the Indigenous Women

Many people in the anthropological circles criticize the ways in which indigenous Bolivian women are being represented to tourists, considering lucha libre performances as an exchange of tradition for money. They say it is dangerous that complex historical narrative is substituted by shallow performance. According to their opinion, reductionist approach used to portray indigenous