The Spectacled Bear and Andean Culture

Photo: A female Andean Bear Cub named Bandit at the National Zoo

Credit: National Zoo

All cultures view the world and the environment through a different cultural lense. Korean culture attributes the creation of Korea to the Asiatic Black Bear. Similarly, the indigenous people of the Andes believe the Andean or Spectacled Bear is responsible for their creation. The Incas consider the Spectacled Bear to be the link between Earth and the Gods. The Quencha believe that the Spectacled Bear is the mediator between humans and the gods. Without the Spectacled Bear, the Quencha cannot reach salvation. In Colombia, the U'wa look up to the Spectacled Bear as their watchful, older brother ("Manoba"). Because of this belief, Columbian Tribes are forbidden from killing bears. In Venezuala, the Yukpa indigenous people believe that the bear was the first version of man and thus, bears are considered holy.



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