Otavalo culture in Otavalango Museum Ecuador
If you are in Otavalo city , do not miss the opportunity to visit this place . In this place a guide will offer you a tour for just $5 usd . The tour talks about the traditions of the Indigenous people from Otavalo such us :
Clothing :
The Otavaleño people have always been characterized as travelers, never staying still in their own lands, driven by the need to seek opportunities in other lands. That is why the indigenous people are known as the Mindalaes (travelers).
Long ago the Mindalaes traveled between the Ecuadorian East and the coast, bringing new teachings.
Before the Spanish conquest, the Indians had their tribes, at the time of the conquest there was a time in which the Indian was stranded, tired, began to rebuild their cities, small enclosures. During this time the indigenous dressed in cushma, sash and hat, totally barefoot and with loose hair.
Marriage:
The indigenous marriage, also known as sawarichina, is very important within the communities. In the past, only marriages were strictly between communities.
In the ceremony the bride and groom remain kneeling , it lasts from 4 to 12 hours in the same position listening to the taita alcalde . In front of all his family.
After the speech, the new spouses go to a private space where the wife braids her husband's hair as a symbol of loyalty.
Traditional Festivities:
One of the festivities is called pawkar raimy, which has an extensive duration that goes from the months of March, on the first solstice March 21, continue on June 21 on the last solstice of the year, then on September 21 on the first equinox to end on December 21 on the last equinox.
These festivities are very important within the indigenous communities, since they honor the Gods, both the sun and the moon.
Taita Coraza, a mystical being that brings abundance, is the representative of the communities that honor the moon and the equinox.
Aya Huma Mask Story:
During the summer solstice the Aya Huma appears, represented by a two-faced mask, one face shows the future and the other the past. The person wearing it is the present.
The surprising face tells us that the Indian is becoming corrupted , and how he changes in time , tells us about his slavery.
Sticking out the tongue shows that the soul of the Indian is free , is rebellious and is always supported by his communities .
The mask represents power. Aya Huma does not mean Devil , in the correct interpretation it is the head of the spirit . Many people also know this mask as Diablo Huma.
Check the full part I video here:
If you like the story go get your Aya Huma poncho here :
https://www.paramoroots.com/products/diablo-huma-poncho