Sweet-tempered (despite spittle-citing claims to the contrary), tough, strong, and surefooted on those rocky mountain passes—it’s no wonder llamas are Bolivia’s national animal. Native to the Andes, llamas have been d...
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Sweet-tempered (despite spittle-citing claims to the contrary), tough, strong, and surefooted on those rocky mountain passes—it’s no wonder llamas are Bolivia’s national animal. Native to the Andes, llamas have been domesticated since the days of the ancient empire of Tiwanaku (1200-1000 BC), when elites maintained their status by collecting and redistributing any food surplus, the transportation of which was undertaken by this robust animal, capable of carrying between 25-30% of their body weight 5-8 miles at a time.
Today llamas are still carrying things long distances for Bolivians, who also use their wool to make clothing. And llamamania doesn’t stop there: the animal’s meat is enjoyed in various tasty preparations, including “charque” (think beef jerky) and dried llama fetuses, which are thought to bring good luck, and often buried under the cornerstone of a new house/building.
