Mammals

Colombia has the highest number of terrestrial mammal species of any country in the world—more than 450. Some of the most common are anteaters, sloths, tapirs, spectacled bears, deer, capybaras, pumas, jaguar, and several monkey species. 
  
Ancient artists captured this diversity in metalwork and ceramic. But these items are more than representations; they actively contribute to nature’s richness and, as offerings, reciprocate to the creator parents. “Objects representing birds are also for the birds,” explains Diomedes Izquierda Mesía, an Arhuaco elder. “Objects are related to the landscape. They belong to different parts of the landscape and, just like minerals or other resources, they are organs of the Mother. Take one part and the others are affected. We have to understand that interconnectedness. If you pull my fingernail out, the rest of me will hurt, too.””