The Llamerada dance is closely linked to the domestication of the llama and the life of the Andean shepherds.
It has its roots in pre-Hispanic times and is one of the oldest expressions of Bolivian folklore.
The Dance
The rhythm of the Llamerada is very contagious. The steps and movements of the dance simulate the herding done in the fields. The dancers carry slings which they wave to the beat of the music. Here are some characteristics:
Formation:
Generally, the dancers are organized in two separate lines: one of men and one of women, although there can also be variations.Steps:
They alternate steps forward and backward, marking the rhythm of the music, which is cheerful and lively.Figures:
Movements intertwine to form various figures and choreographies, creating a visual journey across the stage.Use of the sling (chuspa):
It is a key element; the dancers use their slings, coordinating them with the movement of their legs and the beat of the music.Symbolism:
It represents the life and work of llama herders in the Andes, showing their relationship with these animals and nature.Rhythm:
Joyful and agile, representing the Andean hustle and bustle.Symbolism:
It shows the ritual and cultural connection with the llama and life in the Andes, especially in Bolivia.Costumes:
What stands out in the costumes of the Llamerada dance is the elegance of the colorful and varied designs. These designs incorporate traditional elements of the llama herder, such as the sling used for herding, but the design is not simple like that of the common muleteer; it features many decorations with Andean motifs and figures such as the llama.
History and Origins
Originally, it was a sacred and economic ritual performed by the Aymara and Quechua peoples to thank the deities for the protection of their herds and to ask for fertility. The dancers imitated the elegant gait of camelids and the daily tasks of herding, using the sound of slings (korawas) to mark the rhythm of the music, which symbolized the control and deep connection between Andean man and his main source of sustenance.
After the arrival of the Spanish, the dance underwent a process of cultural syncretism, transforming into a satirical and festive representation that was integrated into Catholic religious festivities. The costumes became more elaborate, incorporating elements such as the montera (a hat in the shape of an inverted pyramid that evokes the ancient headdresses of the curacas) and the plaster mask with pursed lips that imitates the shepherd's whistle. Currently, the Llamerada is a pillar of the Carnival of Oruro (declared a World Heritage Site) and other festivities, keeping alive the historical memory of the caravan routes that connected the highlands with the valleys.
