Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark
"Secret of the Andes" by Ann Nolan Clark is a poignant children's novel set in a secluded valley within the Andes Mountains, focusing on the journey of a young boy named Cusi. Raised by Chuto, an elderly Indian, Cusi is initially isolated from the outside world, caring for llamas and learning about their ways. His life takes a significant turn when he encounters a wandering minstrel, prompting a journey that expands his understanding of the world beyond his valley. Through this journey, Cusi grapples with questions of identity and belonging, especially upon discovering he may have noble roots tied to the ancient Inca civilization.
As he learns about life in the broader community, Cusi's quest for family and self-acceptance culminates in a trip to the Holy City of Cuzco. There, he interacts with other people, participates in cultural festivities, and ultimately realizes his true connection to his heritage and the llamas he cherishes. Clark's narrative not only explores themes of cultural identity and the preservation of heritage but also reflects the universal adolescent struggle for self-discovery. Celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of Incan culture and the challenges of maintaining a rich heritage, "Secret of the Andes" won the Newbery Medal in 1953, affirming its significance in children's literature.
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Subject Terms
Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark
First published: 1952; illustrated
Type of work: Historical fiction
Themes: Coming-of-age and family
Time of work: The early twentieth century
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Locale: The Andes Mountains, Peru
Principal Characters:
Cusi , an Indian boy who helps guard the precious Inca llama herd and questions his loneliness and his heritageChuto , an old Inca llama herder, who loves Cusi as a son, teaches Cusi to care for the llamas, but is silent in response to Cusi’s questions about people and familyMisti , the young black llama of Yellow-Ears, who is Cusi’s constant companion, even when Cusi goes down to the world of people
The Story
Secret of the Andes is set in a hidden valley contained within the Andes Mountains. There are two openings to this hidden valley, both carefully obscured by twisted vegetation. Sheer, pointed, and glistening mountain peaks engulf the valley. This is the only world that Cusi knows. It is a world composed of Chuto, an old Indian who teaches Cusi to herd the llamas. Chuto tends well to the hundreds of llamas and teaches well how to care for and understand the llamas. From a peak, Cusi observes, for the first time, another Indian family far below. He does not remember seeing people before. Observing this family conjures many questions in Cusi’s heart and mind: Why do I not have a family? Why am I here alone with Chuto? Will I ever know people?
The sudden appearance of a wandering minstrel allows Chuto the opportunity to take Cusi on a journey to the Salt Pits which lie two valleys beyond. Chuto believes it is time for Cusi to answer these questions that nag him so deeply. This time, Chuto will open the gate and Cusi’s hand will choose to open or close it.
During the four-day journey, Cusi watches, listens, and questions—sometimes with amazement and sometimes because of a lack of worldly knowledge—as new concepts are opened to him: jungle flora, the art of bargaining, other children, and a truck. Cusi wears the golden earplugs which immediately identify him to the Indians. This however, raises another question for him: Is he of ancient nobility?
Following this journey, Cusi is struck with disbelief when a powerful, kingly Indian enters the Hidden Valley. He, too, wears the golden earplugs and has come to train Cusi in the ways and knowledge of the Incas. Cusi learns quickly and is left with the words: “Your heart will command your mind and body”—more unanswered questions for Cusi.
The gate is finally completely opened for Cusi when, mysteriously, Misti leads Cusi to the ruins of a hidden ancient temple. On a carved throne, Cusi discovers a pair of golden sandals. With these sandals, it is time for Cusi to travel alone to the Holy City of Cuzco. With eight llamas loaded with wool, including Misti, and the golden sandals tucked safely next to his heart, Cusi struts down the llama trail. He is on his quest for a family.
Waiting at the gate of the walled city of Cuzco is an Indian. He eagerly helps Cusi with the llamas and acts as a guide through the city. Cusi quickly and eagerly barters the bags of wool for green corn, potatoes, sweaters, wool caps, and cotton trousers. Cusi’s Indian guide cares for the llamas so that Cusi may freely roam the city to find his heart’s desire. This is Cusi’s opportunity to find a family. What good fortune Cusi experiences, for he is welcomed by a family on fiesta. He eats, dances, and plays with them for a time. As everyone is sleeping though, Cusi realizes that he has not found his heart’s desire. He does not belong to them. He is an Inca. He belongs to the llamas, to Chuto, and to the Hidden Valley. It is to these that he returns.
Context
Ann Nolan Clark’s work and involvement with Native Americans and some Latin American countries influence all of her writings. Clark is able to transfer her sensitivity for understanding the strong cultural influence of being American Indian to understanding the strong cultural influence of being Incan. There is a definite parallel between the destruction of the American Indian’s way of life by the United States’ westward expansion and the destruction of the Incan civilization by the Spaniards. This work authentically documents the struggles within the heart and mind in searching for one’s self that is so strongly attached to a cultural past. This work documents the deep drive that a people must possess in order to preserve a civilization or rich heritage that is lost in modern times.
Historically, this cultural demise is an ongoing event, not new to only one heritage, but common to all. Throughout the world, there are many examples of a heritage developed in a religious, social, or geographical context that has succumbed to the forces of a popular culture. There are fewer examples, however, of those that struggle to keep their heritage alive. This work not only achieves the portrayal of such a struggle but also expounds the pride of being Indian.
Secret of the Andes won the Newbery Medal in 1953. It adeptly captures the inward struggle of maturity and acceptance of one’s self. It is the powerful portrayal of this theme that has earned it such a noteworthy honor. This inward struggle is familiar to all adolescents in all cultures.