These bulls can be found on nearly every rooftop as we drove through
villages on our way to Machu Picchu. Our guide the next day gave us the
story, explaining that it is a Quechuan tradition to place a these two
figurines on the roof of a home when the couple living there is newly
married. It represents a metaphor for the power of the animals, and
the strength of their lifelong bond when they work together. Bulls are
commonly used for hauling farm equipment in the fields, and they are
always paired up, starting at a young age. Once the bulls become
accustomed to one another, they work solely as a team, and can never be
broken up. If a bull is paired with another animal that isn't it's usual
"partner", it will actually try to attack it. Generally, this bond lasts
until one of them dies, at which time the other one usually becomes
dinner.
A second guide, the day after, gave us a slightly different account,
claiming that the bulls are more a symbol of physical strength than
bonding, and that the decorations, which are often accompanied by
flowers and/or bottles of alcohol, are to encourage the Gods down for a
drink in exchange for a blessing. We like the first story much
better.
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