Salasaca

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Salasaca is a place where one of the most vibrant indigenous cultures of Ecuador is to be found. The "Kichwa-Salasacas" are located in the Tungurahua Province (center of Ecuador), now halfway along the road from Ambato to Baños (the Amazon port). They are some 12,000 people. They speak Kichwa. Their main economic activities are agriculture, livestock-raising and handcrafts, which they begin learning from a very early age. One very characteristic aspect of the Salasaca is their exquisite tapestries, which are woven by hand on looms of very ancient technology. Many of the designs depict different aspects of their lives. They also weave ponchos, sweaters, bags, hats and other articles. The Salasaca are fine art-craft people, who have specialized in Andean textile art and have gained a good national and international market.

Every Saturday and Sunday at 10am. you can visit our market in the central plaza of Salasaca called "Plaza of the Arts". Ask for Rudy Masaquiza if you want to enjoy a visit into the community. He will be very happy to help you.

Another notable Salasaca activity is their music played traditionally on the flute and drum producing a melody reflecting the symbolic world of the Salasacas. Over the centuries the Salasacas have incorporated other sounds that complement traditional melodies, which today have allowed them to travel to foreign countries with their music, art work and the message of the Kichwa world.

In June, Salasaca people celebrate the harvest festival Inti Raymi that is celebrated in all Kichwa communities of the Sierra. However, in the Salasaca festival circuit, one individual of particular importance is the Varayuk or Mayor, who carries a wand representing power and authority within the community.

HOW TO GO: From the terminal station in Quito take a bus to Baños or Ambato. Salasaca is around 2:45 minutes to the south from Quito. Buses are available any time. During the day, they run every 10 minutes.

[edit] External links

• The World of Salasacas - El Mundo de los Salasacas
• More about Salasaca
• KJIPAKUNA is an indigenous youth organization from Salasaca
• Inti Raymi in Salasaca 2003 (in German, but with pretty photographs)

• Hostal Inkahuasi, located in Salasaca