Kantza is a film project envisioned and produced by members of the Shuar nation, indigenous caretakers of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Through collaboration with professional video and audio technicians the tribe intends to share the beauty of their culture as well as the struggle to preserve their homelands. Furthermore, the skills gained by making their own movie will offer on-going opportunities to document culture, share wisdom and engage the global community in ways that support social and environmental justice.

Kantza will explore the interface between traditional Shuar culture and the possibilities and challenges of today’s modern world. Rather than sending scholars, explorers, and university ‘experts’ to study and report about indigenous cultures, the Amazon people ask instead for help in obtaining the tools that will allow them to share their world personally and truthfully, in their own words, through their own creations. The Shuar are excited to express their living tradition through new mediums.

This movie is being crowd funded on Kickstarter dot com. You can be a part of making it happen. Pledge any amount from $1 up to $4000 or more. To be a part of this project, visit Kantza: Deep in the Amazon a Story is Waiting to be Told

Close Up of Kinti Wasi, the Colibri (Hummingbird) Intercultural Center

In the presence of representatives of all ethnic and cultural groups of Otavalo and Imbabura province, the inauguration ceremony and celebration was presided over by Erika Sylva, the Minister of Culture, and Mario Conejo, Mayor of Otavalo.

Outdoor Inauguration Ceremonies for Kinti Wasi held in tent on the surrounding grounds.

At 9:30 in the morning, delegations came from all four points of the city to the Monserrat neighborhood, and climbed the hill to the giant hummingbird. Brass bands played throughout the morning.

Erika Sylva, Minister of Culture, flanked by Luisito. speaking at the Opening Ceremonies

Besides the provincial Governor, Gabriela Rivadeneira, and Erika Sylva, the Ecuadorian Minister of Culture, varied artists, writers, musicians and dignitaries, attendees included the 2011 Yamor and Sara Ñusta Queens (Milisen Puente and Paola Rocio Arellano Sarabino), and the ever present Luisito, the mascot symbol of Otavalo, a towering presence as always when he appears at Otavalo functions.

Dancers from the Chota Valley with Luisito, symbol of Otavalo

The opening of this beautiful center for the arts, poetry and book readings, musical performances and cultural events of every kind was a happy event for Otavalo.

Curved stairway, interior of Kinti Wasi

Kinti Wasi, the House of Colibri (Hummingbird) is one of 17 Intercultural Community Centers in the country, and Ecuador’s largest.

Entrance to the Kinti Wasi Art Gallery

An art gallery and classrooms for teaching painting occupy the southern wing of the Hummingbird.

Kinti Wasi Performing Arts Theatre

In the northern wing of Kinti Wasi is a performing arts theater.

Musical performances, book readings, art exhibits, anniversaries of important cultural events are among the events being held during the first few weeks following inauguration of the center.

Dancing was an important part of the celebration

An dance to celebrate the opening of the building was held in the main floor at the “house of the hummingbird”. Everyone joined in, dancing in a circle,  accompanied by drums and traditional instruments, an essential part of tradition to open newly completed homes and other buildings.

Milisen Puente, Yamor Queen 2011 and Paola Rocio Arellano Sarabino, Sarañusta Queen 2011

Later in the evening performances by various musical groups were held in the tent outside the building, and also a musical competition, “Otavalo Sings to Otavalo”.

Night performances ended the day's festivities....

High in the Andean mountains, in a tiny village where the art and craft of weaving has been passed from generation to generation, I, a marketing veteran of 20 years, learned a lesson about marketing.

In North America, we tend to believe we’ve not only cornered the market on ‘marketing’ – but we feel, deep inside, that we invented it. A visit to another country is often an opportunity to favorably compare ourselves with a less ‘developed’ society. I became aware of how misguided this attitude is during a recent visit to Ecuador.

Our driver took us to visit some craftspeople in a few obscure villages near Cotacachi, an area well known for its indigenous cottage industry.

At the first village we visited a weaver known as the ‘maestro’. This tiny, shriveled old man and his even tinier, shriveled wife welcomed us, their ancient faces wreathed in smiles. It wasn’t so much their beautiful attire that caught our attention, as their obvious pleasure at our visit. We were total strangers and couldn’t even speak their language, yet they invited us into their ‘factory’ behind their home as if we were visiting royalty.

When I say ‘factory’ I use the word loosely, based on the fact that the stone and concrete shell behind their home was where all their work was performed. Samples of their weaving hung on wires suspended beneath the bare beams on which the roof rested. Sweaters, scarves, wall-hangings, bags, ponchos and rugs all of the most intricate designs and excellent workmanship.

As we began to admire their work, our driver politely caught our attention. Our hosts were eager to show us their skills so that we could fully appreciate all that went into the making of their beautiful products. We were led to a raised area on the far side of the building and invited to sit. The old couple sat on a grass mat on the floor. They showed us how they took the raw alpaca wool and created loose, fluffy strands as thick as a man’s thumb and about a foot long, using simple tools made from wood and thistles. As they worked, they earnestly described the process to us in Quichua. Our Spanish speaking driver translated into broken English.

Once they had enough of the fluffy strands, they were were fed onto a simple, hand-powered spinning machine on other side of the ‘factory’. Soon tight cords of ready-to-weave yarn appeared.

Then the ‘maestro’ began to weave the wool on his loom. Apparently, the actual weaving is only done by the men of the village. He proudly demonstrated how he designed his products and as we watched, a scarf began taking shape, seemingly effortlessly, under his gnarled hands.

All too soon, loaded with all kinds of ‘teasures’ we departed to visit another of our driver’s friends. This time, we visited a home in a village where they specialize in making musical instruments. As we entered, the colorful display of a huge variety of instruments displayed on the walls immediately captured our attention.

We were quickly, but very gently and politely ushered away from the gorgeous displays and asked to sit on the low wooden spectator benches.

I felt a little embarrassed as we took our seats, like a guest who’d made a thoughtless faux pas in ignoring our host while admiring his work. He smiled gently, excusing our rudeness and carefully chose instruments from his display to demonstrate to us. Many of these instruments I had never seen before. A tiny guitar-like instrument made from an armadillo shell and a large harp with a deep sound box below it were a few of the more unusual on display.

Making a flute from bamboo

After demonstrating several instruments, our host pulled up a chair in front of us and proceeded to make a tiny pan flute. His movements were deft and sure. Each pipe was cut, tested, tweaked and tied into the instrument which literally blossomed into life before our eyes.

The miniature masterpiece was then presented as a gift and he indicated that we were now free to browse. After such a personal and enchanting introduction to indigenous music, how could we help but load up with mementos and gifts before we took our leave?

In the next village, we were treated to the same cheerful and enthusiastic reception. We discovered all kinds of interesting things, such as which plants were used to create the vibrant colors used in Andean weaving. Did you know that the bright pink derived from ground cactus flower buds is deepened to burgundy through the addition of a little lemon juice?

At the end of the day, our taxi loaded to capacity with all our new treasures, I couldn’t help thinking about what masterful marketers these simple, kindly people are. Any experienced marketer knows the power of education for raising the desirability and perceived value of a product, yet I’ve rarely ever seen it so elegantly and effectively used in contemporary western marketing as I did in those tiny Andean hamlets.

It taught me a lesson. It taught me to stop, take a breath and think…. really think… about how to instill that same pride, enthusiasm and love (yes, love!) into the marketing strategies I devise. Those people were so genuine, so desiring to communicate their love of what they do to us that our even our jaded, cynical and desensitized souls couldn’t help but share their childlike delight.

Experiencing marketing Ecuadorian village style made me understand that we haven’t cornered the market on marketing… heck… we didn’t even invent it! Truth be told, people have been marketing since the day the first barter exchange took place.

Examining what I’d learned from the Ecuadorian craftspeople in the light of the current global economy, I realised that if we don’t market to our target prospects and customers on a more fundamentally human level, we risk losing them to those who will.

Why do you think social networking is becoming such a big ‘thing’? People are tired of being isolated. They want community. They want heart to heart. They want to feel less like a hamster on a treadmill and more like they remember their grandparents being. Businesses that cater to that core desire will find themselves with an increasingly loyal customer base built on relationships of mutual trust and respect.

© Copyright 2009  Jackie Cooper
Direct Response Copywriter and Marketing Consultant

Jackie Cooper is a veteran direct response copywriter and marketing consultant / business coach with both B2B and B2C clients. Her goal is to help her client articulate their message in a way that has an immediate positive impact on their bottom line, whether it’s using powerful direct response or other proven marketing strategies. Jackie also offers a free initial marketing consultation for those interested in finding out more about ways she can help them improve profitability and positioning in the market. If you’d like to have a free consultation, email her at at the email address you’ll find at the blog. You’ll find more interesting articles and insights on her blog http://www.jackiecooperwriter.com which also features the video series: “How to write for maximum return.”

Inlaid Silver Jewelry with Incan Symbols

The Incan cross, the Chakana

The most common Incan symbol incorporated into the jewelry is the Chakana, a three stepped cross with a hole in the center.  The three steps represent the three worlds, i.e, the heavenly realm of the spirit, the human realm and the underworld and death. Three other Incan concepts represented by the Chakana are the 3 realities of Love, Knowledge and Work. For an in depth article on the Chankana see the page by Ren Chin at hubpages.

Sun, moon and stars, animals, spirals, geometrics of ancient design will all be found incorporated into these beautiful objects.

Silver Pendants in Vertical Format

Silver Earrings

Animals are another common theme: llamas, turtles, hummingbirds, butterflies

Silver Chains, earrings. Turquoise is popular.

More variety in silver jewelry

Leaves are a common design motif in Ecuadorian jewelry

Inlay silver jewelry close up

Inlay silver rings

You’ll find Indian headdresses and warbonnets, the type seen in countless western movies and television shows. These warbonnets originated with plains indian tribes such as the Cheyenne, Blackfeet, Sioux, Crow and Plains Cree. Originally eagle feathers were used. These bonnets commemorated acts of bravery. Each eagle feather had to be earned, and they were therefore added to the bonnet one at a time. Each feather told a story of bravery and victory. Fancy beadwork and ermine skins added color and style. These were ceremonial headdresses reserved for formal occasions, not used in battle, as it would be impossible to fight wearing such a bonnet. Today commercially available headdresses like these are made with imitation eagle feathers.

Leather Tipi Souvenirs

The Indian tipi was a conical tent also used by the nomadic tribes of the North American great plains. These tents, made of animal skins and wooden poles, could be easily disassembled for the quick travel of nomads following after buffalo. I have not seen any large tipis for sale in the markets, although I have seen the occasional tipi in rural areas. In the craft markets of Ecuador you can find small leather tipis, souvenirs.

Dreamcatchers originated with the Ojibwa

Dreamcatchers, which originated in Ojibwa culture have become adopted by Amerindians in many countries as a symbol of indigenous culture. Consisting of a hoop with a woven web or net, and decorated with feathers, cloth and beads, these nets, like a spiderweb, are believed to catch anything bad in the air. According to Ojibwa beliefs, a dreamcatcher can change a person’s dreams. At night good dreams are allowed to filter through, while bad dreams or nightmares get caught in the net, then disappearing in the light of day. A different version is that nightmares pass through the holes in the net and disappear, while the good dreams get caught in the web and then slide down along the feathers to the dreamer.

Beaded Suede Leather Cellphone Pouch (straps inside bag)

Native Beaded Rosette Necklaces

Beaded Wristbands made by Indigenous

Beaded Hair Ties

Beaded Earrings

Bone Hairpipe Chokers, but made with Tagua

Bone hairpipe chokers are available as well, but rather than being made with bone hairpipes, the long beads are actually tagua vegetable ivory.

Trying on an indian warbonnet or other feathered fashion accessory can be a lot of fun. Here is my friend David Hansen, a St. George Utah Architect , on one of his many visits to Otavalo, sporting eagle feathers.

Otavalo, Ecuador Otavalo is known for its artesans market that’s held every Saturday. We got in to Otavalo after a long day of border crossing from Colombia.

Publish Date: 06/05/2011 17:00

http://jackandjilltravel.com/visiting-the-otavalo-market-ecuador/

Otavalo is a busy market town with daily food and craft markets, and a Saturday live animal market. Our first day was Friday, and the town was relatively quiet giving us a head-start at the crafts market before the …

Publish Date: 06/03/2011 13:56

http://blogs.ubc.ca/galapagos/2011/06/03/otavalo/

Today we took the 2 hour drive to the small artisan and indigenous village of Otavalo, a popular day trip from travelers from Quito. Karina, a local musician picked us up at the Folklore Hostal in Quito. …

Publish Date: 05/19/2011 23:51

http://aimtvgroup.com/rawtravelblog/2011/05/20/munching-on-some-guinea-pig-in-otavalo/

The Otavalo Market is one of South America’s most grandest and famous markets. Shop for animals, food, fruit, clothing, panama hats, jewelry and hammocks.

Publish Date: 07/20/2010 8:30

http://2backpackers.com/4768/south-america/otavalo-market-ecuador

Otavalo. By the time I reach the animal market, it’s already winding down, even though it’s only eight AM. People are leaving with their purchases and wares, packing the live chickens and guinea pigs into trucks or …

Publish Date: 05/07/2011 19:08

http://patagonianride.blogspot.com/2011/05/otavalo.html

This weekend we went to Otavalo. It is a small city North of Quito with a large Indigenous population, including its Mayor. The Indigenous people have been second class citizens in Ecuador for a long time. …

Publish Date: 05/22/2011 17:52

http://malinquito.blogspot.com/2011/05/otavalo.html

Other than the car break-in, we had a really great time in Otavalo. We went to the animal market on Saturday morning and saw lots of pigs, cows, chickens, guinea pigs, and dogs for sale (yes, the guinea pigs are eaten here). …

Publish Date: 11/17/2008 3:00

http://www.chanatrek.com/animal-and-saturday-market-in-otavalo/

From the Equator we then go into Quito to get a connecting bus to Otavalo which is famous for its huge handicraft markets. There are stalls there all week but the BIG market is on a Saturday, there is also a livestock market first thing …

Publish Date: 05/25/2011 9:41

http://downbhoy.travellerspoint.com/139/

Local artisans’ markets are always fun. The one in Otavalo, Ecuador (near Quito) is no exception.

Publish Date: 04/01/2010 3:00

http://www.carrieandjonathan.com/otavalo-market-otavalo-ecuador/

Saturday is market day in Otavalo, and Saturday happens to be the day when we cross the border into Ecuador. Otavalo is three hours from the border with Colombia. Mika gets off the bus in Otavalo while I continue on two …

Publish Date: 02/28/2011 18:05

http://theinternationalrambler.blogspot.com/2011/02/otavalo-market-and-more.html

When you visit Ecuador, you will most likely want to go to the Otavalo market. Otavalo is an indigenous and mestizo town about 2 to3 hours drive from Quito. It is doable on a day trip from Quito but, you miss the chance …

Publish Date: 03/01/2011 13:58

http://www.worldwideecolodges.com/wp/2011/03/01/otavalo-highlands-ecuador/

Saturday in Otavalo is market day. Apparently its the largest craft market in South America. The whole of the center is covered in market stalls, selling large quantities of textiles and food. …

Publish Date: 05/15/2011 19:21

http://oliver-sanders.co.uk/wp/?p=179

Otavalo.Mercado de Animales.18 | Flickr – Photo Sharing!

El Mercado de Artesania de Otavalo es el más importante y famoso de todo Ecuador,y eso que hay muchos mercados. El de Animales,está un poco separado y es interesante por los indígenas que negocian y truecan productos, y por los trajes …

Publish Date: 05/17/2011 6:03

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26927539@N05/5729310275/

If you ever venture to Ecuador you need to make sure you leave room on your schedule and in your suitcase for a trip to Otavalo. About a two-hour drive outside of Quito on the Pan American highway you will find this …

Publish Date: 04/05/2011 16:10

http://eleanorgracephotography.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/ecuador-colorful-otavalo/

Recently I had the chance to take part in the making of a short movie in Otavalo, at the graveyard. It was so amazing to learn more about the film making process, but the best thing was that the crew was made up of a …

Publish Date: 03/20/2011 22:36

http://theandeancollection.blogspot.com/2011/03/filming-in-otavalo.html

Carlos is a talented paint-artist that lives in Otavalo, Ecuador. Check out his typical work, that has a mixture of Peruvian and Ecuadorian influences.

Publish Date: 03/07/2011 20:04

http://www.globaltradeproject.com/tradeblog/quipus-art-gallery-in-otavalo-ecuador/

Otavalo is a small city of about 50000 mainly indigenous inhabitants located some 90 minutes north by road up the Pan-American Highway from Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. Otavalo rests at 8300 ft (2530 m) above sea level in a …

Publish Date: 12/27/2010 18:03

http://www.sangay.com/ecuadorguide/ecuador/otavalo-indigenous-artisan-market-a-diversity-for-the-eyes/

The best market in South America is Otavalo. You’re thinking to yourself, “Wow, that is a bold statement”. To be honest, I generally try and stay away from big statements, but in this case, I believe it, and so I’ll say …

Publish Date: 01/11/2011 20:11

http://travelblog.viator.com/best-market-in-south-america-otavalo/

El amor es así. Otavalo, Ecuador, 2011. Foto de Triunfo Arciniegas. Anciana Otavalo, Ecuador, 2011. Fotografía de Triunfo Arciniegas. Calabazos Otavalo, Ecuador, 2011. Fotografía de Triunfo Arciniegas. Cucharas …

Publish Date: 06/07/2011 17:44

http://triunfoarciniegas.blogspot.com/2011/06/otavalo.html

With unbelievable timing we were in Otavalo for the annual carnival, a four day holiday celebrating the beginning of lent. We both feel a lot safer here in Otavalo than Quito however there is a big risk that we will be …

Publish Date: 03/25/2011 1:14

http://catian25.blogspot.com/2011/03/otavalo-at-carnaval.html

Otavalo is an indigenous community about 2 hours northeast of Quito. It is a picturesque little town, nestled between 3 volcanoes, with several crystal clear lakes nearby. Otavaleños are famous for textile production and …

Publish Date: 01/31/2011 23:34

http://kateblogblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/otavalo.html

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Lighweight cotton Otavalo Shirt is perfect for summer

These beautiful handmade cotton shirts from Otavalo, Ecuador are typically embroidered.  The shirts are also available without embroidery, or with white embroidery on white cotton, which is very subtle. This post showcases some of the varieties we have available.

The natural fiber clothing provides cool comfort for summer days. Slight wrinkles and creases ensure you won’t have the starched look. You will merely be comfortable. And attact some attention.

On the left, incorporating other textiles in the trim: on the right is the Golden Mask design.

Our Otavalo shirts are similar to those worn by the President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa. A popular Ecuadorian design motif is the  radiating golden sun-mask that is the symbol of the Banco Central.

It’s from  La Tolita culture, dated sometime between 350 BC – 350 AD. and on display in the Sala de Oro in the Banco Central museum in Quito.

Sun Mask from La Tolita Culture, and symbol of the Banco Central

Embroidery varies from geometrics to the Sun, animals and Crosses

Suns, crosses, animals like turtles and iguanas that are  native to  the Galapagos Islands are also popular themes for embroidery, but the most prominent theme is a wide range of  geometrics. North American Indian themes such as eagles, bears, buffalo, wolves and dream catchers are also popular.

A few different styles for those who like lots of embroidery

Tagua buttons are used rather than plastic. Tagua is a carved nut from the Amazon which resembles elephant ivory, but is eco-friendly. Prior to the invention of modern plastics, a flourishing tagua button industry supplied the European fashion industry, and many uniforms from the American civil war used buttons that were made from Tagua.

In a shop near the Copacabana Market you will find cotton shirts embroidered with  Messianic Christian designs, incorporating rams, Jewish menorahs, and statements of praise and worship. From ancient times the weavers of Otavalo were producing textiles and clothing not only for the local market, but also for distant markets, creating designs for export.

Designs vary from Indigenous to Messianic Christian

White is the traditional color for the Otavalo Mountain Shirt. Tan, green, brown and black shirts are available but normally in limited quantity unless special ordered. Collar options are the military collar or the fold down. So if you are looking for a cool comfortable cotton shirt that you can wear with ease, try one from Otavalo.

The Most Amazing Markets in Latin America

Author: Lorena

Chichicastenango in Guatemala

Chichicastenango is located around one hundred and forty kilometers northwest of Guatemala city. It is home to one of the most famous native markets in, perhaps, all the Americas.

The Market convenes on Thursdays and Sundays drawing the K’iche’ Maya of the nearby areas as well as vendors from all over the country. These vendors sell their products in a variety of ways, languages and dialects. The Chichi market used to be within the central plaza but it has now expanded into all the adjacent streets as well. The preparations are made a night before by setting up booths in the plaza and surrounding streets of Chichi.

The markets start with sounds of firecrackers and homemade rockets. The crashing sounds continue all through the day. Although it is not immediately obvious to the tourist newcomer, the market is highly organized, with vendors of specific goods occupying traditional sites in the market area. Each item has its own area where vendors can put their products on display.

You can also see various native costumes from all over Guatemala. Other sights include processions, street musicians and traditional dances, antique shops, a Mayan artifact museum and the city cemetery.

Pisac in Peru

Most visitors, on their tour to Peru, try to see the Sunday market, however there are similar markets on Tuesday and Thursday as well. Pisac is a beautiful Andean village well known for its Sunday market.

Despite its fame, the market maintains its local charm. Villagers come from miles in order to sell their products in this market. The tourist section offers quite a few varieties of handicrafts. Pisac is a great place for buying the local ceramics especially hand-painted beads in various colors.

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Otavalo en Ecuador

For anyone visiting Ecuador, one of the destinations is Otavalo because of the famed market or the Fiesta del Yamor, which is celebrated in September. Otavalo is situated north of Quito within a two hour drive. It takes a few days to see the market in Otavalo and to visit the villages that supply most of the textiles sold in Otavalo. Otavalo markets are open every day but the busiest day is on Saturday. If you go out early, you can have an all day experience of the market.

You can stroll through the food and produce section, wander the artisan market from where you can purchase arts, crafts, and textiles. The history of the textiles can be traced back to the colonial days when the land around Quito was awarded to several people, including Rodrigo de Salazar. Salazar established a weaving workshop and imported new tools and techniques from Spain. Some of the techniques used in those times can be seen in demonstrations at the Obraje Weaving Museum.

San Telmo in Argentina

The small Plaza Dorrego is the center of the San Telmo Antiques Fair of Buenos Aires.

Each Sunday, the plaza is transformed into a flea market, which contains hundreds of booths that sell everything from outright junk to costly antiques. The market is a great place for browsing and watching.

There are numerous sidewalk cafes surrounding the San Telmo market making the atmosphere festive. San Telmo is also the center of Buenos Aires’ tango district and, occasionally, you can see a couple dancing in one of the market’s open spaces. There is an artisans’ market in the park surrounding the Recoleta Cemetery. If you like hand-made jewelry, then you will be quite interested in Recoleta artisans’ market.

The Ipanema hippie fair in Brazil

Since 1960s, Feira Hipe or the Ipanema Hippie Fair is held in the Ipanema neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on every Sunday.

It began as a small affair which was initially organized by the Hippies in order to sell their crafts. Since then, the Hippie Fair has evolved into an important arts and crafts market, which shows the works of some of the best artisans of the city.

The Ipanema Hippie Fair is held every Sunday from 9 in the morning till 5 in the evening. It takes up a whole city block located in the northern part of Ipanema, close to the southern flank of Copacabana Beach. It is a highly organized market where stalls are set up around the perimeter of the park. Painters exhibit and sell their paintings in the center of the park.

Locals and tourists crowd the place all day long. Though, credit cards are accepted by some vendors, still it is better to use cash. Some vendors will accept US dollars as well as Euros but their preferred currency is Reais. The Ipanema Hippie Fair is essentially not a flea market and it is very difficult to come about used items or bargain. However, you can find all qualities of arts and crafts sold at quite reasonable prices. You can pick some cool souvenirs in this market.

For more Latin America travel tips visit Absolute Latin America

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-most-amazing-markets-in-latin-america-4462003.html

About the Author

Lorena Petsios is the Director of Absolute Latin America a company proud to offer very competitive prices and excellent quality in all the tours.

Our team of dedicated and creative Travel Designers pride themselves on the ability to provide our clients with exceptional personal service and support. We will advise the best option and create an amazing tailored experience that best suits your needs.

Our expertise and connections ensure the most intricate travel arrangements can be organized in Latin America. http://www.absolutelatinamerica.com

Toll Free USA / Canada 1-866-249-4340 Phone UK 0845-528-0563

Here are a few interesting sites about  the Chichicastenango market in Guatemala:

Me Encanta Viajar: Sunday Market in Colorful Chichicastenango

Sunday Market in Colorful Chichicastenango. Once again, I find myself in a land of detailed colorful textiles. I’m still struck with the similarities between Guatemalan traditional dress and the Bhutanese kira. …
http://lizwarren.blogspot.com/2011/04/sunday-market-in-colorful.html

Chichicastenango Market | They’re Doing What?!?!

Today’s route was only 70 miles – for a good reason – the market in Chichicastenango Guatemala. On Thursdays and Sundays, thousands of locals and a few.
http://www.2by2wheels4theworld.com/general/chichicastenango-market

Chichicastenango on Market Day (AKA: We ARE The Giants from the …

Chichicastenango Market Guatemala. Open Thursdays and Sundays. Lake Atitlan. Panajachel. At the Chichicastenango market, we saw all kinds of people and items, and learned that in Guatemala (and especially in Chichicastenango), we ARE … http://www.carrieandjonathan.com/chichicastenango-on-market-day-aka-we-are-the-giants-from-the-north/

Next  here is more info about Pisac in Peru:

Peru – Pisac Market Magic | vi warkentin

The Sunday Market in Pisac remains a high tourist draw but maintains its roots to its colonial past. On Sundays only, Quechuan-speaking campesinos (farmers,peasants) from the neighbouring villages come to Pisac and set

http://viw.myfotojournal.com/2011/jan/28/peru-pisac-market-magic/

Echoes From The Mesa: Peru Journal part 5: The Pisac Market

As much as I wanted to stay at the ruins I had also read that the market at Pisac, which happens three times a week, was a “must see” and Peruvians were said to drive over the hill from Cuzco to shop there. …

http://cedarmesa.blogspot.com/2009/12/peru-part-5-pisac-market.html

Next Up, the San Telmo Market in Argentina:

The San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires | VirtualWayfarer

Upon my return to Buenos Airies I immediately backtracked from the Airport to the hostel I had stayed in previously. Located in the heart of the San Telmo.

http://virtualwayfarer.com/the-san-telmo-market-in-buenos-aires/

Exploring Buenos Aires: San Telmo Market « Kim Karalekas

Here’s me, walking through the market. One piece of advice – wear good walking shoes when visiting San Telmo! I’m not a sneakers type of person, but walking the cobblestone streets in anything but sneakers I imagine …

http://kimkaralekas.com/2011/05/11/exploring-buenos-aires-san-telmo-market/

San Telmo’s Sunday Antiques Market | For 91 Days in Buenos Aires

Because there are far more antique dealers in San Telmo than stalls at the market, a weekly lottery determines who gets the right to set up shop. Organizers are strict about rules dictating that everything actually be an

http://buenosaires.for91days.com/2011/03/17/san-telmos-sunday-antiques-market/

And Finally, here are some cool articles on the Ipanema Hippie Fair:

Ipanema Hippie Fair – arts, crafts, paintings in Rio de Janeiro …

The Ipanema Hippie Fair is held every Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil…

http://www.rio-de-janeiro-travel-information.com/ipanema-hippie-fair.html

My Little Happy Place: Recap: Weekend in Rio

Sunday morning was all about the Ipanema Hippie Fair – an art, artisan, and craft show. It’s always a must-do when I visit Rio. I considered this cowhide, but it wasn’t quite right. …

http://mylittlehappyplace.blogspot.com/2011/03/recap-weekend-in-rio.html

•Jornal da Feira Hippie de Ipanema

CONHEÇA OS ARTISTAS DA FEIRA – MEET THE ARTISTS AT THE HIPPIE FAIR. CONHEÇA OS ARTISTAS DA FEIRA – MEET THE ARTISTS AT THE HIPPIE FAIR ESSE É O LINK DA PÁGINA DOS ARTISTAS DA FEIRA HIPPIE DE IPANEMA ARTIST FROM HIPPIE … Here is the Journal of the Hippie Fair of Ipanema:

http://feirahippieipanema.blogspot.com/2011/05/no-domingo-08-05-2010-dia-das-maes.html

So for variety and an interesting shopping experience, there are more places that have a long history and unsual crafts to offer. Makes you want to roam, doesn’t it?

Pintores de Tigua: Indigenous Artists of Ecuador

Author: Ecuador a la Carte

Tigua artists from high in the Ecuadorian Andes are renowned for their colorful paintings of rural life. Their delightful folk art, painted on sheep hide, celebrates their mountain life with its festivals, legends, and traditions dating back centuries.

Tigua is a collection of small communities southwest of Quito. Most of the people here are farmers who herd sheep and llamas and cultivate potatoes, onions, barley and other crops on a patchwork of steep, windswept fields and valleys. Tigua artists are deeply bound to the land. Even though most Tigua artists now live on the outskirts of Quito, many return periodically to their communities to tend to their lands.

Traditionally, the Kichwa people of this region decorated drums and masks for use in colorful festivals like Corpus Cristi and Noche Buena. In the the early 1970′s, Olga Fisch, a Quito art dealer suggested the idea of painting on a flat surface—a sheepskin stretched over a wood frame. It changed Tigua art dramatically. As the market grew for these colorful paintings, more and more men and women from the area began to paint. Though lacking formal training, Tigua artists have seen their creations exhibited throughout Ecuador and beyond. Tigua paintings are now widely collected and prized for their vibrancy and detail.

Tigua artists paint almost exclusively on sheep hide. The paintings are invariably small, their dimensions limited by the size of the sheepskin. In the early years of Tigua paintings, most artists also painted and decorated the frames of the paintings, though now it is rare to find a painting with the decorated frame. There have also been changes in the type of paint. Not long ago, all Tigua artists painted with the inexpensive enamel paints available everywhere in Ecuador. But since these lead-based paints were found to be toxic, many have switched to oils or acrylics.

Tigua artists generally paint scenes of communal life: villagers herding livestock, spinning and weaving wool, harvesting crops and going to market, or enjoying a bullfight. Other favorite subjects are Cotopaxi, the sacred, snow-covered volcano, Quilatoa crater lake with its rugged slopes, and the condor, the legendary ‘messenger’ of the Andes. Faces on rocks and mountains reflect the Tigua view that all nature is alive.

For the most part, Tigua paintings reflect traditional aspects of life with a broad perspective rather than portraits or abstract compositions—village or rural scenes of multiple figures, themes of community and nature are typical.

Festivals are a common theme. Although predominately Christian, the artists still represent the ancient rituals and festivals of pre-conquest origin. Festivals portrayed most frequently in Tigua paintings are Corpus Christi (celebrated in June, a fiesta uniting Inca harvest festivals with medieval Christianity), Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), and Tres Reyes (Three Kings). And since music is inseparable from the festival, Tigua paintings typically pay homage to musicians and their instruments—flute, panpipe, drum,  and bocina, the long wood horns blown on special occasions. Dancers, too, are a favorite. Swaying and weaving to the hauntingly beautiful music, brightly costumed performers in ornately carved masks of tigers, monkeys, and dogs dance through the narrow streets. In trouble or ill health, highland Indians turn to their shaman to perform the cleaning and healing rituals. The skulls, candles, smoke, and medicinal plants that shamans use in their ceremonies figure prominently in Tigua art. This genre tends to be somewhat somber and dark, as shamans practice their rites at night.

Historical and political themes are less common in Tigua paintings. Although the Incas did not spend much time in Ecuador, the rulers and Inca deities do figure in the paintings. Another historical subject is the hacienda period. In these paintings, Indian serfs work on the large estates. Today, political themes are common.. scenes of indigenous people marching in protest, scenes of environmental destruction wrought by international oil companies and political leaders in action. Pachacama, protector of the earth and the principle Inca deity, is often portrayed as a disembodied visage in the background of the painting, a symbol of indigenous cultural pride.

The growing popularity of Tigua-style art has spawned a whole new host of painters, some native Tiguans, but many from other parts of Ecuador. Quality varies dramatically. Better painters sell their work through stores or galleries. Less-well-known artists hawk their paintings themselves. You\’ll find them at the weekend fairs and on the streets of Quito and other towns where tourists gather. Not a few Tigua artists have turned their backs on the country, forsaking the rural hardships for the advantages of urban life with its abundance of tourists and art dealers. Tigua artists who severed their roots and still paint bucolic scenes of village life are frowned upon by those artists still living with their families in rural areas. They feel theirs is the true Tigua art, an art that expresses their ties to the land. They prefer to sell their art, not through galleries or dealers, but directly.

Tigua painters have earned the respect of Ecuadorian art dealers who once viewed them as mere artisans and their work handicrafts. Since the mid 1990s, Tigua art has been exhibited at the Organization of American States in Washington DC, the University of California Hearst Museum, the Museum of Man in San Diego, California,  UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the Presidential Palace in Quito.

Tigua Art: Where to Go
Though quality varies widely, you’ll find Tigua paintings in tourist stores throughout Quito, at the weekend fair in Parque Elejido, the Mariscal Market opposite the Colon Hotel, at the market in Otavalo (Wednesday and Saturday), Saquisili (Thursday), and Pujili (Sunday) as well as by the entrance to Quilatoa Crater  (about 30 minutes by car from the town of Zumbahua) and in small communities in Tigua along the Latacunga-Quevedo road.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/pintores-de-tigua-indigenous-artists-of-ecuador-2651175.html

About the Author

Written by Jean G. Colvin – www.sharefund2010.org

Jean Colvin is the author of the book Tigua Art: A reflection of indigenous culture in Ecuador (in Spanish and English). She was formerly director of the University of California Research Expeditions Program (UREP) and now directs a math education for indigenous schools  in Cotopaxi and other provinces of Ecuador.

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And here’s a link to a blog about volcanoes which features a piece on Tigua art about volcanoes, of course:

Saturday Volcano Art: Tigua painting from Ecuador « The Volcanism Blog

The Tigua people of Ecuador live in a rural area south-west of the capital, Quito, high in the valleys of the Andes. Their colourful and distinctive paintings depict scenes of communal life: festivals, markets, farming, …

http://volcanism.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/saturday-volcano-art-tigua-painting-from-ecuador/

Angel in traditional Quito School style, and Modern Art

The wood sculpting tradition of San Antonio dates back hundreds of years. In colonial times, the Quito School was famous throughout Spanish America for its religious statuary. Saints and sinners, crucifixes and angels were produced in a realistic style that inspired religious devotion.

After the devastating earthquake of 1868, when most of Ibarra was in ruins, artists from the Quito School were brought in to repair and rebuild churches and civic buildings, and also to restore damaged works of art. A painter from this famous school, Javier Miranda, hired an assistant from San Antonio, Daniel Reyes, to help with the work of restoration. Miranda recognized that Daniel Reyes was very talented, and took him back to Quito where he was trained as his apprentice, learning the ways of the Quito School.

Wood carvers at work in their workshops

When Reyes had achieved the status of a master, he returned to San Antonio and set up a workshop. The Ecuadorian government helped Reyes set up his workshop and also a school where the traditions Quito were passed on to a new generation of artists. Workshops multiplied throughout the town and it was soon recognized that the artists and sculptors of San Antonio were not only adept at continuing the famous techniques of the colonial era, but the heirs of this tradition passing it on to future generations. In 1944 the Instituto Superior Tecnológico “Daniel Reyes” was officially founded in San Antonio, teaching art and design.  Today the school is a leading institute of art and design instruction in Ecuador.

Today, as in the centuries past, you will find many religious statues in San Antonio. Realistic portrayals of the sufferings of Christ enduring the crucifixion are graphic with wounds and blood.

Virgin of Quito and Christ on the Cross

Other favorite religious themes are the saints, such as San Miguel (Saint Michael), and the famed Virgin of Quito, crowned with a halo of stars, holding a chain binding the serpent of satan. Saint Francis and copies of Michelangelo’s Last Supper are also favorite religious subjects. More humorous subjects frequently encountered are various depictions of Don Quixote, and a trio of drunk musicians. For animals, the eagle is a favorite.

Modern sculpture in San Antonio studio

Sculptures vary in size from a few inches to 15 feet high, ranging in subject matter from Aztec/Inca inspired suns and abstract pieces to nudes, cowboys, the Inca Emperor Atahualpa and the liberator Simon Bolivar, animals, dancers, monks, mothers holding children and carved doorways and mantels. Many abstract pieces represent musical harmony, romantic love, the sun and moon, and family affection.

Nudes and Couples and Families are common themes

Mass produced pieces for the home include small decorations for the fridge and wall of butterflies, chickens, automobiles, dancers; practical household items such as vases, candle holders, picture frames, plates, decorative palm trees, shelving, boxes, storage chests, candy and nut bowls, mixing bowls and spoons for cooking, carved fruit, key holders, paper weights and desk ornaments of all kinds.

A small sampling of San Antonio furniture

Exquisite hand carved furniture can be found in styles ranging from classical Greek and Roman to Rococo, as well as antique reproductions to the latest modern styles.

Prices of the carvings in San Antonio range from a couple of dollars to several thousand. Some of these carvings make their way to the Plaza de Ponchos in Otavalo for the Saturday offerings. But for the greatest selection, a trip to San Antonio is a must. While the largest stores are centered on the main plaza, and 27 de Noviembre street, there are many smaller stores and workshops along the backstreets. It is work taking the time to explore the side streets to see the carvers at work creating their masterpieces.

Even the children's slide in San Antonio is an interesting piece of sculpture

Visión. Vision.

El Instituto Superior Tecnológico de Artes Plásticas “Daniel Reyes”, en el 2012, será el líder en la formación de profesionales para el desarrollo y difusión de las Artes Plásticas y la Cultura del País, Con infraestructura y recursos que respondan a las exigencias competitivas del tiempo permitiendo a docentes y estudiantes desplegar nuevas propuestas plásticas con sensibilidad, rigor técnico-científico, y estética. The Technological Institute of Plastic Arts “Daniel Reyes” in 2012, will be the leader in training professionals for the development and dissemination of Arts and Culture in the country