UW Archaeologist Co-Leads International Project Culminating in Trilingual Book

Randy Haas, an associate professor of archaeology at the University of Wyoming, led a five-year international collaboration that has culminated in an illustrated, trilingual book blending archaeological discoveries with traditional Aymara knowledge.

"The Hunters of Puno," now available for free online via WyoScholar, was co-created by U.S. and Peruvian archaeologists and members of the Aymara community of Mulla Fasiri in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

Supported by funding from the U.S. Embassy in Peru, the book is based on findings from archaeological excavations at the 9,000-year-old site of Wilamaya Patjxa, as well as community knowledge shared by Aymara collaborators. This collaboration resulted in a story told in three languages -- Aymara, Spanish and English -- illustrated by an Aymara artist.

Set in the high Andes, "The Hunters of Puno" tells the story of Warawara and Phaxsi, who successfully hunt two vicuñas, which are relatives of the llama, but inadvertently orphan a baby vicuña. Their daughter, Wiskachita, urges them to spare the animal, prompting a decision that leads to the vicuña becoming part of the community. Not only is this a story of a strong, innovative family, but it also is the story of a strong Aymara culture whose innovations have enhanced the modern world.

For example, it's the Aymara and their ancestors who first domesticated potatoes, quinoa and alpacas, which all have a prominent role in global economies and cultures, including in Wyoming.

Print copies are available for online purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Aymara authors and artists who contributed to the project.

Haas traveled to Peru in July to present the book to Aymara communities alongside the co-authors. The release represents the culmination of a unique effort to co-produce and share scientific knowledge with both academic and public audiences, while honoring the voices and contributions of the collaborators.

The project aims to reach global readers -- in particular, those in mountain communities -- through a compelling story rooted in history, culture and cooperation.

Night Heron Books and Coffeehouse in Laramie will display the book's original watercolor artwork by Aymara artist Sandro Alania Pari, of Puno, Peru, Oct. 5-Nov. 5. The store also will host a book signing Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Hard copies will be available.

Authors include Mamani Flores, Alberto; Condori Flores, Néstor; Maquera Flores, Bertha; Condori Flores, Néstor; Mamani Flores, Rogelio; Coaquira Choque, Nery Beatriz; Mamani Contreras, Edy Stanler; Ayma Maquera, Belinia; Condori Pilco, Ronaldo Rudyard; Flores Coaquira, Sara Mariela; Pilco Coaquira, Luis Rubén; Condori Flores, Jhon Álex; Flores Coaquira, Emily Camila; Flores Coaquira, Érika Claudia; Incacoña Huaraya, Virginia; Incacoña Huaraya, Mateo; Chávez Justo, Cecilia; Flores Blanco, Luis Ángel; Klarich, Elizabeth A.; Aldenderfer, Mark S.; Alania Pari, Sandro; Velásquez Llano, Dilma; and Haas, Randall.

For more information, email Haas at [email protected].