3-011-760 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Indians of Peru and Bolivia, South America, 1864. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. C. L. Rowsell of Valparaiso, of indigenous people belonging to '...the half-civilised part of the native South American population. It is said that in Bolivia their numbers are rather on the increase than diminishing; and they still cherish their traditions, which promise an ultimate recovery of the land for their own nation. An Indian of pure Aymara blood, when drawn by conscription in the forced levies of troops, will refuse to serve the existing Government, or, if he serves, will be disgraced in the sight of his own people and disowned by his nearest kindred. The independence which the Aymaras will fight for, if ever they rise, is not the independence taken from them by the Spaniards, but that which they lost when conquered by the Quichuas, who, under their Incas, in their turn were subdued by the Spaniards'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.