Mutual Raising. The Treatment of Animals from the Views of the Puna Herders (Jujuy, Argentina)

Abstract

The relationship between people and domestic animals is framed within the pastoral universe and practices in this Andean area at the highlands in the province of Jujuy (Argentina). The thematic is approached from two cases that present similarities and differences in the departments of Susques and Cochinoca. The characteristics of this pastoral economy is presented as a framework for contextualization, then the areas of animals are described and discussed, including corrals and a comparison with the houses [casas] of people, and the inclusion of the animals as relatives. It shows how the link between people and animals is crossed by a conception of the reproduction of the herd, which is affected, among other things, by the luck [suerte] of the breeder. This link creates an affinity between people and certain animals, promoting a breeding where affection is essential.