[3] There are two main hypotheses for its origin: the first suggests that it was a locally-domesticated guanaco and the second that it was a llama or alpaca introduced from the north.

[5] According to Molina, Joris van Spilbergen observed the Mapuche of Mocha Island using chilihueques as plough animals.

White individuals were reserved for dignitaries, while those of other colors were shared with commoners (including for the purpose of bride prices).

[6] Chilihueque populations declined through the 16th and 17th centuries, becoming outnumbered by sheep and other livestock brought by Europeans.

At this time, only the Mapuche in Huequén (near Angol) and Mariquina still raised the species according to Tomás Guevara.