Ritual consumption and sacrifice of llama (<i>Lama glama</i>) at the Pacopampa site in the Northern Highlands, Peru

Domesticated camelids spread to Peru’s Northern Highlands by 500 BC. The complexity and development of the society that then developed in region have been explained social networks enabled use llama as a cargo animal. However, actual domesticated Formative Period remains unclear. This study analyzed camelid skeletal excavated from Pacopampa site (1200–400 BC) provide information on these animals. Osteometry determined be llama; alpaca was not identified samples. Body part frequency, butchering mark distribution, mortality profile revealed ritual consumption meaty young individuals. Four sacrificed immature llamas were detected. In contrast great similarity with process artiodactyls’ only sacrificed, while deer targeted. Although there no features animal bone material indicating secondary products, increasing number artifacts related textile production suggest fiber might result herding.