Lovely Llamas

Llamas are a species of camelids which are found as domesticated animals in South America and they belong to the same family as the camels. Llamas have been domesticated for their meat, wool and used for transporting materials for a long time in South American history.

Llamas have a long history in many Andean cultures. The Moche people, who were in the area prior to the Incas, used llamas in the burials of distinguished people in their society. They would use whole llamas or parts of llamas in these burials as offerings. Ceramics from the period of the Moche culture, clearly depict llamas at that time.

Lovely Llama Print by misskitteh
See more Llama Posters on zazzle.

Llamas also played an important role in the Incan culture. Llama figures were often buried with Incan nobility, similarly to the use in burials with the Moche people. They were used as beasts of burden to carry goods and belongings. The fibers and meat of the llama was also used by the Incans.

Camels... did you know?

Camels are easily recognised by the humps on their backs, which contain fatty acids. It was believed that the purpose of the humps was to store water, but this is not the case.

Moroccan Camel Postcard by DigitalDreambuilder

The Arabian camel, also known as the dromedary, has only one hump - as can be seen in the image above. The bactrian camel has two humps and is native to central and east Asia.

Funny Camel Birthday by seashell2

Camels were first domesticated over 4000 years ago by the people in ancient Somalia, and since that time have been domesticated for meat, milk and to be used as working animals.

Bactrian Camel by ccreech21

Did you know that there are over a million feral camels in Australia? Camels were first introduced to Australia in the 19th century to provide transport through inland Australia which is largely a desert region.

Miss You Can't Wait To Kiss You Camel by All_Occasion_Cards

A is for Alpaca

Alpacas are a species of camelids, along with llamas and camels. They have been domesticated for thousands of years for the fibre they produce and are smaller than llamas.

Alpaca Love Poster
by twopurringcats

The fibre from alpacas is used to make a wide variety of knitted and woven items all over the world, such as blankets, gloves, scarves, socks and sweaters.

Necklace - Alpaca
by bkmuir

The alpaca is a social heard animal and live in family groups, comprising of an alpha male, females and their offspring.

Alpaca Greeting Card #38
by bukkawhite