A Peruvian Bull Run

Torito, the symbolic ceramic bull figurines, have been guarding Peru's rooftops for centuries

- By PRACHI JOSHI

As you travel around Cusco and Peru's Sacred Valley Lor further south in the region of Puno (near Lake Titicaca), keep an eye on the rooftops. You will often find a pair of terracotta bulls-sometimes plain, sometimes decorated in eye-catching colours standing atop houses.

The tradition originated deep in the Andes, notably in the town of Pucará in the Puno region, hence these figurines are called toritos de Pucará (torito means 'little bull'). Toritos are considered a protective charm and are believed to bring prosperity and fertility. They are placed on the roofs of houses, usually facing east, and often in a pair to symbolise male and female or sun and moon. They act as guardians warding off negative energy and bringing good fortune and abundance to the household. They just might remind you of statues of Nandi a sacred bull associated with lord Shiva usually found guarding the temple gates in India.