When we talk about El Pastor Chiribaya, we’re not just referring to a breed of dog. We’re talking about an ancient companion that roamed alongside the peoples of southern Peru more than a thousand years ago. It was first identified thanks to archaeological finds in Ilo, Moquegua, where more than 40 perfectly mummified dogs were found, buried with honors alongside their owners.
These dogs weren’t strays or mere helpers: they were part of the family. They were wrapped in blankets, left food, and placed with the utmost respect in special tombs. This practice, uncommon even in ancient cultures, reveals the symbolic and emotional value these animals held.
The Chiribaya Shepherd or El Pastor Chiribaya, represented much more than a working animal. It was a protective being, a companion soul, and perhaps even a spiritual guide. Hence its mummification and its place in human burials. They were guardians, in life and in the afterlife.
What does Chiribaya mean?
The term Chiribaya comes from an ancient pre-Hispanic culture that inhabited the southern coast of Peru between 900 and 1350 AD, primarily in the valleys of Ilo (Moquegua), Tambo, and Osmore. Although there is no exact translation of the term, it is known that this civilization enjoyed very advanced agricultural and livestock development for its time, and a deep spiritual connection with its animals.
The Chiribaya not only domesticated llamas and alpacas for transport or food: they also lived with dogs that served as companions, protectors, and shepherds. It was precisely in this context that what we know today as the Chiribaya shepherd was born, a dog breed that reflects that special bond between humans and animals.
The Chiribaya People and Their Connection to Shepherding
Archaeological remains found in the region—including more than 40 mummified dogs—reveal that the Chiribaya considered their dogs an essential part of the family and daily work. They were not marginal animals: they were shepherds, caretakers of the flocks, and in many cases, also guardians of the home.
The most surprising thing is that these dogs were buried with impressive delicacy. Some were wrapped in blankets, with bowls of food at their sides, and placed in graves specially prepared for them. All this indicates that the Chiribaya shepherd was not just any dog: he was a respected member of the community.
Today, centuries later, recovering his name and history is not only an act of cultural justice, but also a source of national pride. Behind the Chiribaya there is not just a breed: there is a millennia-old history that lives on in the eyes of the mixed-breed dogs of southern Peru.
What does Chiribaya mean?
The term Chiribaya comes from an ancient pre-Hispanic culture that inhabited the southern coast of Peru between 900 and 1350 AD, primarily in the valleys of Ilo (Moquegua), Tambo, and Osmore. Although there is no exact translation of the term, it is known that this civilization enjoyed very advanced agricultural and livestock development for its time, and a deep spiritual connection with its animals.
The Chiribaya not only domesticated llamas and alpacas for transport or food: they also lived with dogs that served as companions, protectors, and shepherds. It was precisely in this context that what we know today as the Chiribaya shepherd was born, a dog breed that reflects that special bond between humans and animals.
The Chiribaya People and Their Connection to Shepherding
Archaeological remains found in the region—including more than 40 mummified dogs—reveal that the Chiribaya considered their dogs an essential part of the family and daily work. They were not marginal animals: they were shepherds, caretakers of the flocks, and in many cases, also guardians of the home.
The most surprising thing is that these dogs were buried with impressive delicacy. Some were wrapped in blankets, with bowls of food at their sides, and placed in graves specially prepared for them. All this indicates that El Pastor Chiribaya was not just any dog: he was a respected member of the community.
Today, centuries later, recovering his name and history is not only an act of cultural justice, but also a source of national pride. Behind the Chiribaya there is not just a breed: there is a millennia-old history that lives on in the eyes of the mixed-breed dogs of southern Peru.
One of the most striking discoveries was the mummy of a Chiribaya shepherd discovered in Ilo, Moquegua, by archaeologist Sonia Guillén. The dog was found in a fetal position, wrapped in cloth and accompanied by offerings, suggesting that its owner wanted to ensure its comfort in the afterlife.
This discovery not only confirmed the existence of a dog breed with distinctive traits, but also opened the door to understanding the human-animal relationship in pre-Inca times from an emotional and symbolic perspective.
The detail and care taken in the dog’s burial make it clear that it was a beloved member of the family. It was no exception: more than 40 similar dogs were found, with consistent physical characteristics and nearly identical burial patterns.
What does Archaeological Research Reveal?
Archaeological and genetic studies have revealed that the Chiribaya shepherd dog had unique characteristics that set it apart from other American dog breeds. Its medium size, elongated body, slender legs, and dense coat, coupled with its protective behavior, made it an ideal dog for the coastal and desert environment of southern Peru.
Furthermore, these studies suggest that this breed was domesticated and selected by the Chiribaya for clear purposes: herding, protection, and companionship. It wasn’t just any dog, nor a casual crossbreed. It was part of the social and economic model of a culture that knew how to coexist with its animals with profound respect.
Today, thanks to these findings, the Chiribaya shepherd has ceased to be an archaeological memory and has become a living symbol of national identity.