The Bolivian Postal Service’s philatelic service is one of the most popular ways to collect postage stamps in the country. This organization, responsible for mail and parcel distribution in Bolivia, features a specialized department for the issuance of postage stamps and other philatelic products.
Philately is a hobby that involves collecting and studying postage stamps, as well as other mail-related items like envelopes, postcards, and postmarks. In Bolivia, the postal service’s philatelic department offers a wide variety of stamps with unique designs and varied themes, appealing to both national and international collectors.
History of the Bolivian Philatelic Service:
The philatelic service of the Bolivian Postal Service dates back to 1867, with the issuance of the country’s first postage stamp, known as «El Cóndor.» Since then, the production of postage stamps has become a tradition in Bolivia, featuring commemorative stamps for significant events, historical figures, and iconic places within the country.
A pivotal moment in Bolivian philately was the establishment of the Bolivian Philatelic Society in 1927, which fostered interest in philately nationwide and organized exhibitions and events related to the hobby. Today, this society remains active and collaborates with the Postal Service’s philatelic department to promote and disseminate philately in Bolivia.
Most Important or Well-Known Bolivian Stamps:
Among the most important and well-known stamps of the Bolivian Postal Service’s philatelic service are:
- «El Cóndor»: As previously mentioned, this was the first postage stamp issued in Bolivia in 1867. Its design features a condor, an emblematic bird of the Andes, with a face value of 5 cents.
- «El Chasqui»: Issued in 1930, this stamp commemorates the messaging service of the chasquis, runners who carried messages across the paths of the Inca Empire.
- «El Tinku»: This stamp, issued in 1977, commemorates one of Bolivia’s most important festivities, the Tinku, a celebration that combines religious elements and rituals of pre-Hispanic origin.
- «El Che Guevara»: In 1967, a stamp was issued in honor of the revolutionary leader Ernesto «Che» Guevara, who was assassinated in Bolivia that same year.
Stamp Designs Bolivian Postal Service:
The philatelic service of the Bolivian Postal Service is known for the variety of its stamp designs, covering themes from historical and cultural to the country’s flora and fauna. Commemorative stamps of significant events and notable figures in Bolivian history are also issued.
Some of the most popular designs include images of the national flag and coat of arms, the Virgin of Copacabana, Lake Titicaca, the Morenada dance, the quina tree (a symbol of traditional Bolivian medicine), and Andean fauna such as the condor, llama, and puma.
In conclusion, the philatelic service of the Bolivian Postal Service is a way to promote the culture and history of the country through its postage stamps. With a long tradition and a wide variety of designs, this organization continues to be a source of interest and entertainment for stamp collectors in Bolivia and around the world.
Visit the website: https://www.correosbolivia.com/filatelia/