Ekkekko is the opposite of Supay, and others term opposite of Anchancho, is believed to be a good domestic god or spirit.
This spirit represents good luck and prosperity being symbolized as a small balding, pot-bellied man radiating happiness and good will, usually loaded with all sort of items for domestic and personal use. Prior to the Spanish Conquest (Christianization) the figures of Ekkekko were made of silver and gold, as the cult was always connected with miniature things.
The figurines always held a place of special honor in every Indian home during the Colonial time and are popular today.
He often wears a little red poncho and a peaked cap. He has been connected with the Indian god Thunupa and innumerable stories are told of good fortune cause by the Ekkekko. Tiny figures of the god are widely worn as amulets and charms.
Cult members travel the country fair circuit selling the Ekkekko figurines. The natives and cholos buy them for the good luck and others blessings which they are believed to bring. For example an Indian or chola woman might purchase a miniature pottery house in order to make certain that she will obtain a husband and house of her own.
Ekkekko myths are widely disseminated in the Andean region. The La Paz festival of Alacitas is said to have been started by Sebastian de Segurola in 1781 to celebrate the relief of the city from the siege of Tupac Catari during the resurrection of Tupac Amaru.
Another myth has the capitol of the kingdom of Ekkekko in a miniature city whose ruins may be seen on the heights of Suttilaya, in the Province of Baustista Saavedra, Department of La Paz. A.G.H.
Source:
Osborne, Harold. South American Mythology. «Library of the World’s Myths and Legends.» New York. Peter Bedrick Books. 1968, 1985. p. 81