2,000 years. Starfish were also important in the ancient Peruvian cultures, as ritual
offerings to the gods. This practice is still kept in the rites carried by the local
chamanes. Evidence for this is seen in their representation in different artistic
objects like pottery and paintings from the old Moche culture (Fig. 8.7a, b).
Fig. 8.6 Bathymetric ranges and abundance (to 20 m deep) of the Lobos de Afuera echinoderms
in June 1999. R Rare (1–2 individuals); F Frequent (3–10 individuals); C Common (11–50
individuals); A Abundant (more than 50 individuals) (from Hooker et al. 2005)
8 Echinoderms of Peru
293
offerings to the gods. This practice is still kept in the rites carried by the local
chamanes. Evidence for this is seen in their representation in different artistic
objects like pottery and paintings from the old Moche culture (Fig. 8.7a, b).
Fig. 8.6 Bathymetric ranges and abundance (to 20 m deep) of the Lobos de Afuera echinoderms
in June 1999. R Rare (1–2 individuals); F Frequent (3–10 individuals); C Common (11–50
individuals); A Abundant (more than 50 individuals) (from Hooker et al. 2005)
8 Echinoderms of Peru
293