Case file · Folklore / legend
Coquena, guardian of the vicuñas
Coquena is a small spirit of the Puna of Jujuy and Salta who herds the vicuñas and guanacos, punishing hunters who kill more than they need and rewarding those who respect the animals.
1900 CE · -23.00, -66.00 · status: legend
The account
He is often linked to the Pachamama and is said to be seen at dusk driving herds loaded with silver. The year is an approximate date for the first folklore records; the pin marks the Puna of Jujuy.
The sceptical view
A spirit of Andean tradition; its rules express a conservation ethic for wild camelids.