Bolivians use the llamas in a traditional ceremony when they buy or build a new home. The llama is buried under the home as a sacrifice to the Mother Earth or Pachamama asking for good luck, health, and happiness in the new home. Surprisingly these are one of the best sellers in the Witch Market with countless tourists buying them every year… the chances that any of the llamas make it through international customs though is pretty slim.
One of the first things you will no doubt notice when visiting the La Paz Witch Market are all the dead, dried up baby llamas. They are actually llama fetuses that are usually the result of natural miscarriages. The llamas dry out and partially mummifies in the high Andes desert and are then gathered by the witches.
In general, the women working in the Witch Market are more than happy to answer you questions about their spells and potions. When I visited, I was shocked by how few foreigners spoke to the witches.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
With the above being said, make it a habit to ask before you snap a picture. Everyone wants great photos from their trip and in most of the shops in the Witch Market they have no problem with you taking pictures. It is always better to ask though.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)