Cheryl Blackford
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Bulls on The Roof

9/13/2018

3 Comments

 
Photo of Pucara bulls.David's Pucara bulls.
Visit Cuzco, Peru, and its surrounding areas and you will soon notice an intriguing decoration on the highest point of many of the red-tiled roofs - two sturdy bulls, usually with a cross between them. Their eyes bulge, their tongues lick their nostrils and a jug and rooster are somewhere near. These are Pucara Bulls - ceramics handmade in the town of Pucara. They are placed on the top of a roof to bring prosperity to the owners of the house or business. In pre-Spanish-colonial times the rooftop bulls would have been llamas, honoring Pachamama, the Inca earth goddess, but with the Spanish came bulls and the symbolism of the cross. 

When the Spanish invaded the Incas' land they had three goals in mind: extend the Spanish Empire, find riches to bring back to Spain and extend the reach of Christianity. They killed the Inca kings and subdued or killed the population, and then they stole the Inca gold. They co-opted Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire, destroyed temples and built Catholic churches on ancient Inca sites. But they never managed to completely eradicate the ancient beliefs and traditions. In the beautiful European-style paintings on display in famous churches and cathedrals (painted by indigenous painters) you see a melding of cultures - Andean flora and fauna, Virgins made to look like mountains in their voluminous dresses, a roasted guinea pig on the table of the Last Supper, an Andean face in a crowd of Spanish faces. 

Picture
While the population today mostly identifies as Roman Catholic many have retained old beliefs: Chicha (corn beer) is poured onto the ground as an offering to Pachamama and offerings such as coca leaves and candy are left at ancient shrines. Many of the Quechua people still believe in the life force of what we think of as inanimate things, such as mountains, and make offerings to them and requests of them.  

David brought back these two bulls as his souvenir of Peru. They survived three plane flights but they won't survive a Minnesota winter on the roof!

​The magnificent pair below were spotted on a rooftop somewhere near Cuzco.

Photo of Pucara bulls on a roof.
Bulls on a roof in the countryside near Cuzco.
3 Comments
Planet Calling link
7/24/2023 10:43:13 am

Grateful forr sharing this

Reply
Vanessa
1/15/2025 09:01:13 am

Saw them on top of roof in Chinchero bathed in sunshine. Symbols of many virtues, working together and prosperity included. Then saw a couple of live animals in Ollyantambo. Impressive draft animals were shod with iron shoes in Europe before tractors. Wish you well in Minnesota. Looks like it has been tough out there this Winter

Reply
Rooftek link
5/19/2025 02:01:11 am

Thank you for sharing such a fascinating glimpse into the cultural significance of Pucara Bulls in Peru! Your post beautifully captures the blend of ancient traditions and colonial influences, highlighting how symbols like these rooftop bulls carry deep meaning for prosperity and heritage. It’s a reminder of how rooftops, beyond their practical purpose, can reflect cultural identity and history.

As a premier roofing contractor in Millcreek, UT, RoofTek understands the importance of a roof as both a protective and symbolic element of a home. While we may not place Pucara Bulls on the roofs we service, our team of expert local roofers near me is dedicated to ensuring every roof we work on stands strong and enhances the value of homes in our community. Whether you’re searching for a reliable roofer in Millcreek, UT, or need top-tier roofing services, RoofTek brings craftsmanship and care to every project, much like the artisans of Pucara who craft those iconic bulls.

If anyone in Millcreek is looking to protect their home with a roof that’s built to last, we’d love to help. Thanks again for the captivating story—those bulls are truly a unique rooftop treasure!

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    Cheryl Blackford

    Children's fiction and non-fiction author. Lover of travel, hiking, and all things bookish.

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