What crucial function, besides providing protein, did the *cuy* serve for ancient Andean societies?
Answer
A role in religious and ceremonial life
Historical evidence from artifacts and iconography suggests that guinea pigs held significant value beyond sustenance, participating in the religious and ceremonial life of pre-Columbian cultures.
Related Questions
When did the domestication of guinea pigs in the Andes begin, according to archaeological evidence?What is the specific culinary term used for the preparation where the guinea pig is flattened and deep-fried until crispy?What crucial function, besides providing protein, did the *cuy* serve for ancient Andean societies?If a Peruvian hears the term *cuy*, what context is most likely being referenced?What is the biological species name for the Peruvian guinea pig?What does the presence of *cuy* on the table during a major family event in Peru generally signal?In what forms of artistic expression does the *cuy* appear, cementing its status as an icon of the Andean world?What is noted as the single most defining characteristic separating the Peruvian guinea pig experience from the global one?What is the typical lifespan range reported for guinea pigs?In contrast to industrial farming elsewhere, how are *cuyes* often raised in Peru?