A rarity, this track was recorded ca. 1928 or so, most likely in Buenos Aires. However, Alberto Ruiz and his group were clearly from Bolivia. The label states that they are performing a kaluyo dance, although the Bolivian music experts consulted for this project were sure that it was, instead, an early version of a llamerada, whose origins are from the Aymara culture. The llamerada stems from the dances of llama herders. The title “Paceñita” refers to a young woman from La Paz.

The Lira Incaica accompanying Mr. Ruiz is the Bolivian charango – there are two of them, in fact, along with a guitar. The origin of the charango, a small guitar-like instrument from the Andes, has been traced to the early 18th century. Its design is based on the Spanish guitar, and its dissemination throughout Andean regions was by mule drivers along trade routes. Some charangos have a wooden back – others are made from a gourd, or an armadillo shell.

If you listen closely to this track, you will hear dancing feet on a wood floor.