The history of alpacas Peru
Alpacas are one of the most iconic animals of Peru, and their wool is prized for its softness, warmth, and durability. But how did these fluffy creatures come to be domesticated by humans in the Andes Mountains? And what challenges do they face today in a changing climate? In this blog post, we will explore the history of alpacas in Peru and their role in the culture and economy of this diverse country.
Alpacas are members of the camelid family, along with llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas. They are believed to have evolved from a common ancestor about two million years ago. The two wild forms, the larger guanaco and the smaller vicuña, still live in South America today. The two domesticated forms, the llama and the alpaca, are the result of human intervention over thousands of years.
The earliest evidence for domestication of both llama and alpaca comes from archaeological sites located in the Puna region of central Peru, at altitudes between 13,000 and 14,500 feet above sea level. At Telarmachay Rockshelter, faunal evidence traces an evolution of human subsistence related to the camelids. The first hunters in the region (about 9,000 to 7,200 years ago) lived on generalized hunting of guanaco, vicuña and deer. Between 7,200 and 6,000 years ago, they switched to specialized hunting of guanaco and vicuña. Control of domesticated alpacas and llamas was in effect by 6,000 to 5,500 years ago, and a predominant herding economy based on llama and alpaca was established at Telarmachay by 5,500 years ago.
Genetic research indicates that the smaller alpaca is the domesticated version of the smaller wild form, the vicuña; while the larger llama is the domesticated form of the larger guanaco. Physically, the line between llama and alpaca has been blurred as a result of deliberate hybridization between the two species over the last 35 years or so, but they can still be distinguished by their appearance and behavior. Llamas are taller and heavier than alpacas, with longer faces and ears. They are also more independent and assertive than alpacas, which are more docile and timid. Alpacas have finer and denser wool than llamas, which makes them more suitable for textile production.
Alpacas were first brought to lower elevations about 3,800 years ago and are in evidence at coastal locales by 900 to 1,000 years ago. They were highly valued by ancient civilizations such as the Moche, Wari, Tiwanaku, Chimu, and Inca for their wool, meat, fuel (from their dung), and as a source of string for making quipu (a system of knotted cords used for accounting and communication) and baskets. Alpaca wool was used to make clothing for royalty and nobility, as well as ceremonial garments and offerings to the gods. Alpacas were also revered as sacred animals and symbols of fertility and prosperity.
The Spanish conquest of Peru in the 16th century had a devastating impact on alpacas and their herders. The invaders introduced diseases that decimated the camelid population, confiscated their lands for mining and agriculture, slaughtered alpacas for food or sport, and imposed taxes on their wool. Many alpaca herders fled to remote areas of the highlands or joined rebellions against colonial rule. The quality and quantity of alpaca wool declined significantly during this period.
In the 19th century, alpacas experienced a revival thanks to the interest of European traders who recognized their potential as a source of fine fiber. Alpaca wool became fashionable in Europe and North America for its softness, luster, warmth, and natural colors. Alpaca breeders in Peru improved their management practices and selection criteria to increase their production and quality. Alpaca exports reached their peak in the late 19th century but declined again in the early 20th century due to competition from synthetic fibers and political instability in Peru.
Today, alpacas are still an important part of Peru’s culture and economy. There are about 3.6 million alpacas in Peru. They are mostly concentrated in the southern highlands of Puno, Cusco, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Apurimac.