Until today, Andean traditional agricultural systems have allowed the local
communities to satisfy their food needs. Indeed, all native crops and
livestock are mostly used for self-consumption so the population's nutrition
is very dependent on local food production. Dehydrated potatoes can be
conserved for several years.
Moreover, most of the houses are constructed with local materials. It is quite
common to use manure, the few available trees and bushes as fuel. A large
number of medicinal plants are used in health care which underline the
adaptation of the Indigenous communities in their area.
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Farmers with a llama
The llama (Lama glama) is a domesticated South American camelid,
widely used as a meat and pack animal by Andean cultures since the
pre-Columbian era.
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In Aymara mythology, llamas are important beings. The Heavenly Llama
is said to drink water from the ocean and urinates as it rains.
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According to Aymara eschatology, llamas will return to the water
springs and ponds where they come from at the end of time.
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See more at
Llama - Wikipedia.
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Entering the traditional farm
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Two bulls for good luck
On top of the archway are two bulls, placed there for good luck.
- This is typical on traditional farms.
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Traditional house with traditional embroidery exposed
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Farmer preparing traditional foods in the traditional oven
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Guinea Pig (Cuy) farming
Guinea pigs (called cuy, cuye, or curí) were
originally domesticated for their meat in the Andes.
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Traditionally, the animal was reserved for ceremonial meals and as a
delicacy by indigenous people in the Andean highlands, but since the
1960s, it has become more socially acceptable for consumption by all
people.
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It continues to be a major part of the diet in Peru and Bolivia,
particularly in the Andes Mountains highlands; it is also eaten in
some areas of Ecuador (mainly in the Sierra) and in Colombia, mostly
in the southwestern part of the country (Cauca and Nariño
departments).
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Because guinea pigs require much less room than traditional livestock
and reproduce extremely quickly, they are a more profitable source of
food and income than many traditional stock animals, such as pigs and
cattle.
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Both rural and urban families raise guinea pigs for supplementary
income, and the animals are commonly bought and sold at local markets
and large-scale municipal fairs.
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See more at
Guinea pig: As food - Wikipedia.
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Huacaya alpaca
The Huacaya alpaca is a breed of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) that has
a unique appearance and fiber quality.
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This breed is the most popular alpaca breed with population numbers
reaching 2.8 million in Peru alone.
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Many alpaca farmers shear their Huacaya on a 12-month basis. Some
farmers in South America shear their alpacas on a 14-16-month schedule
to achieve higher fiber lengths.
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See more at
Huacaya alpaca - Wikipedia.
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See also
Source
Location
