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Guinea Pig History: Domestication & Traditions

Guinea pigs have a rich history in South American culture. Originating in the Andean highlands, they were domesticated thousands of years ago. This article details how they progressed from wild animals to being much-loved pets and their significance in Andean traditions.

Origins

The wild ancestors of guinea pigs come from the Andean region of South America, specifically modern-day Colombia, Peru, and Chile. These areas are known for their wide variety of rodent species, including the ancestors of today’s domestic guinea pigs.

History of Wild Guinea Pigs

Archaeological discoveries of guinea pigs provide insights into their origins and their significant roles in South American culture throughout the centuries. 

Remains of wild guinea pigs, closely related to the species we are familiar with today, have been discovered at archaeological sites dating back to around 9,000 BC on the Bogotá savannah in Colombia. 

Ancient guinea pig remains have also been discovered in Jaywamachay, Peru (8500-8160 BC), and in northern Chile (around 8000 BC). 

Cavies in the wild
Cavies in the wild

It is believed that wild guinea pigs were hunted for food by indigenous people and used in rituals at that time.

Domestication of Guinea Pigs

The domestication of guinea pigs has a complex history across several South American regions. Research indicates the possibility that different species were domesticated independently in various areas. 

One study suggests that the Colombian people domesticated guinea pigs around 500 BC after a long history of hunting them. 

However, more recent studies examining the bones of the three species of guinea pigs found in Colombia today suggest that domesticated guinea pigs might have been present in the Bogotá savannah as early as 11000–9000 BC. 

Archaeological and genetic evidence points towards domestication in the Central Andean region, including Peru and northern Chile, taking place between 6000 and 2000 BC.

Guinea Pigs Spread Globally

Guinea Pigs Reach the Caribbean and Europe

Guinea pigs began to spread throughout South America and beyond, following ancient social networks and trade routes. By 600 AD, they had reached the Caribbean. A study of ancient guinea pig DNA revealed that guinea pigs in the Caribbean probably came from Peru. 

In the 1500s, Europeans exploring the Americas took guinea pigs back to Europe where they were popular as exotic pets among the upper classes. These guinea pigs are also thought to have originated from the Peruvian region. 

earliest known English painting of a guinea pig
This is the earliest known English painting of a guinea pig

A painting by an unknown artist dated 1580 is believed to be the first British artistic depiction of guinea pigs. It shows a group of three children, with a girl holding a guinea pig in her arms.

The oldest remains of guinea pigs in Europe date from the late 16th century and were found in Mons, Belgium (1550–1640 AD) and Hill Hall Manor in Essex, England (1574–1575 AD).

Guinea Pigs in North America

Surprisingly, it took much longer for guinea pigs to reach North America. The first evidence of guinea pigs in this region is from the early 19th century in Charleston, South Carolina.

old painting of guinea pigs
Old painting of guinea pigs

Selective Breeding and Development

After the initial domestication of wild guinea pigs, further selective breeding occurred mainly outside of South America. This breeding led to the development of pet and laboratory guinea pig breeds common in Europe today, as well as specialised breeds raised for meat in South America.

Guinea Pig Care Sheets - Printable PDF Download - Checklists, Logs and Information Sheets

The Name “Guinea Pig”

Despite their name, guinea pigs are not pigs and do not come from Guinea. The origin of their name is unclear, but here are some theories:

  • One theory suggests that guinea pigs were brought to Europe through Guinea in West Africa, leading Europeans to assume they originated there.
  • Another possibility is a confusion with the South American region of “Guyana,” which can also be spelled as “Guiana.” ​​Guinea pigs may have been transported via this country and their name could have been a result of a misspelling.
  • The “pig” part of their name most likely comes from their body shape and the sounds they make, similar to a pig’s squeal.
  • Another theory connects their name to the “guinea” coin, although this is less likely since the term “guinea pig” was in use before the coin appeared.
Victorian boys with their pet guinea pigs
Victorian boys with their pet Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs in Traditional Andean Culture

Rituals and Healing

In some Andean cultures, guinea pigs were considered good luck and played a crucial part in rituals and healing. 

Bones of guinea pigs have been found at ceremonial sites dating from around AD 800 to 1600, showing their spiritual importance. They were often offered to deities like Pachamama (Mother Earth) to ensure fertility and prosperous harvests. 

In 2019, archaeologists discovered about 100 ritually sacrificed guinea pigs at the Inca site of Tambo Viejo in Peru. These guinea pigs were buried around AD 1600 and were decorated with colourful earrings and necklaces made of string, with some wrapped in small rugs. 

In traditional Andean healing, guinea pigs were used to diagnose and treat ailments. 

Healers observed the behaviour and sounds of live guinea pigs as they passed them over a patient’s body, believing this could help diagnose the illness. 

Guinea pig fat was commonly used as an ointment to alleviate strained nerves and earaches, while their warm bodies were applied to soothe muscle and stomach pains.

Folk Art

Guinea pigs are often depicted in Andean folk art, appearing in scenes that decorate ceramics, textiles, and paintings and highlighting their importance in daily life and culture.

Inca cuy vessel
Inca cuy vessel

Cuy in South America

Guinea pigs have been bred for meat in South America for thousands of years and are still used in this way today. Guinea pig meat, known as “cuy,” is rich in protein but low in fat and cholesterol. It is considered a delicacy in parts of South America, particularly Peru, and is often served during special occasions and festivals.

South American Festivals

Because of their ancient connection to Andean culture and heritage, guinea pigs play an important part in the region’s traditional celebrations and festivals.

Init Raymi (Sun Festival)
Init Raymi (Sun Festival) – An Inca Festival

The Festival of the Cuy: Held in Huacho, Peru, in mid to late July, this festival celebrates the guinea pig’s role in Andean culture and cuisine, emphasising their importance as both a food source and a symbol of prosperity. Itincludes guinea pig competitions, such as costume contests and races. A big part of this festival is the diverse choice of cuy dishes.

Inti Raymi (Sun Festival): A traditional Inca ceremony held in June in Peru, honouring the sun god. This festival includes traditional guinea pig dishes and various festive activities.

Fiesta de Todos Santos (All Saints Day): Held in November, this festival features cuy cuisine and a range of celebratory events.

Guinea pig food chart and meal planner - printable pdf download in full colour

Information from some scientific studies and archaeological reports were used in this article. Here are some of the sources:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-65784-6
https://www.sciencedirect.com

Further Reading