The andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) in pre-hispanic iconography of America, with emphasis on the peruvian case

Figueroa J.; Stucchi M. · Estudios Atacamenos (2025) · DOI: 10.22199/issn.0718-1043-6325

Resumen

Archaeologists and historians have suggested that the absence of Andean bear representation in pre-Hispanic iconography indicates that this animal was overlooked by ancient inhabitants. It has been argued that its relevance emerged primarily in Andean mythology and folklore after the Spanish conquest. However, this study reveals that this ursid was present before the European arrival by various cultures in the Americas. In Panama (Conte), Venezuela (San Isidro), Colombia (San Agustín, El Tablón, La Chaquira, La Lindosa), Ecuador (Cara), Peru (Pacopampa, Chancay, Chachapoyas), and Bolivia (Chané), representations have been found that appear to be bears or anthropomorphic ursids. Meanwhile, in Ecuador (Bahía and Manteño-Huancavilca) and Peru (Late Preceramic, Vicus, Wari, Chimú, Inca), there are two and eleven ceramic pieces, respectively, with naturalistic representation. Additionally, in Peru, two petroglyphs (Alto de la Guitarra and Toro Muerto) and a stone-carved paccha (Alto de la Guitarra) depict the bear, and two sites (Yosumal and San Lorenzo Island) have burials associated with bear pelts and specimens, respectively. These findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the presence of the Andean bear in the pre-Hispanic cultures of America. © (2025), (Universidad Catolica del Norte). All right reserved.