Morskaya svinka

26/02/2023

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a gorgeous tiny bird
Photo by Sharifa Jinnah

26/02/2023

During the Age of Discovery, Spanish, Dutch and English traders brought pigs to Europe, where they soon became popular pets in the homes of the ruling elite (including Queen Elizabeth I of England).

26/02/2023

Until now, the meat of guinea pigs is an important food product of the peoples of the Andes. Dishes from it can often be found in restaurants in the cities of Peru and Ecuador.

25/02/2023

A beautiful Cape Robin-chat (Dessonornis caffer) on a cold day in South Africa
Photo by Victor De Sousa‎.

25/02/2023

One idol or waka [they have and] for the koi, and, as they say, the one who created them, they call him Paiginok, and the words they say to him: “a, a, a po, hands are joined, multiply my koi and let them not die with me, for they have food.”

25/02/2023

Significance for the Andean population
At the time of the conquest of Peru by the Spaniards (XVI century), guinea pigs were mainly used by the peoples of the Andes in agriculture (as a source of meat) and for ritual purposes (donation of animal blood, divination by the insides) .

24/02/2023

- A report on the religion and rites of Peru, compiled by the first Augustinian priests, who went there to convert local residents to Christianity (1560) .

24/02/2023

In the central Andes, the Indians from Wamachuco (Peru) also had an idol and a deity of guinea pigs:

One idol or waka [they have and] for the koi, and, as they say, the one who created them, they call him Paiginok, and the words they say to him: “a, a, a po, hands are joined, multiply my koi and let them not die with me, for they have food.”

22/02/2023

22/02/2023

The pet is affectionate, not whimsical in care and can become a good friend to the child.

22/02/2023

The second English-language name is "kevi".