The Chaccu in Puno

The Chaccu is an Andean ceremony that marks the beginning of the season of the capture and shearing of vicuñas for their valuable wool. The community of Picotani, at 4800 meters of altitude in the Altiplano of Puno, is home to 2800 wild vicuñas. During the chaccu, community members round the vicuñas and bring them to a fence. From there, some are selected for the ceremony, during which the first vicuña of the season is sheared amidst celebrations and dancing. The ceremony ends with a symbolic wedding between two vicuñas. It is a privilege to participate in a chaccu and experience the deep connection between the community and its main means of sustenance, the wonderful vicuñas.