Guinea pigs, scientifically known as Cavia porcellus, are native to Peru and other Andean regions of South America. These small rodents originated from wild cavy species found across the mountainous terrain. While now globally recognized as pets, their deep roots lie in the Andean highlands, where they have been intertwined with human societies for thousands of years.
Ancient Origins and Domestication
Archaeological evidence suggests guinea pig domestication in the Andean highlands as early as 5000 BCE to 7000 BCE. This process likely began as early human inhabitants recognized their potential as a manageable food source. The domesticated guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is believed to be derived from wild cavy species like the Andean montane guinea pig (Cavia tschudii), found across Peru, Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and northeastern Chile.
Evidence of consumption in Peru dates to around 8000 BCE in Ayacucho’s rocky shelters. By 1800 BCE, remains at sites like Kotosh, Huánuco, indicate domesticated guinea pigs. From 1200 CE until the Spanish conquest in 1532, indigenous people, including the Incas, engaged in selective breeding, developing many varieties that form the basis for modern domestic breeds. This transformation primarily supported them as a consistent source of protein.
Cultural Role in Andean Societies
Known locally as “cuy” (from the Quechua word “quwi”), guinea pigs hold importance in pre-Columbian and modern Andean cultures. They primarily served as a vital protein source in the traditional diet, a practice that continues in many Andean highland households today. Their ease of care and rapid reproduction made them a sustainable food option for early societies.
Beyond diet, guinea pigs played significant roles in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and divination. Ancient Andean societies, including the Moche and Inca, considered them sacred animals, using them in rituals as offerings to deities. Mummified guinea pigs have been found in ancient tombs, and sacrifices were reported by early Spanish observers. In traditional medicine, folk healers, or “curanderos,” still use guinea pigs to diagnose illnesses by rubbing them against a patient’s body, believing their squeals indicate pain or sickness. Their symbolic presence is also evident in ancient art and folklore.
From Andes to the World
The journey of guinea pigs from their Andean homeland to other parts of the world began in the 16th century with the arrival of Spanish colonizers. Spanish, Dutch, and English traders transported these animals to Europe. Initially, guinea pigs were received as exotic pets and curiosities, particularly among the upper classes and royalty, with Queen Elizabeth I reportedly keeping one.
They quickly bred and spread across Europe, becoming accessible to middle-class households. By the 18th century, their docile nature and ease of handling led to increased use in scientific research, contributing to the phrase “being a guinea pig” for test subjects. Today, guinea pigs are popular household pets globally, but they also maintain their role as a food source in certain regions, especially in South America and parts of the Caribbean. All modern domestic guinea pigs are descendants of those domesticated in the Peruvian Andes.