The Chachi community in the coastal Region of Ecuador
General Information
This indigenous group commonly known as the Cayapas (name not quite proper for the members of this ethnic group), is believed that have arrived to conform 30 communities located in the jungle-mountain zones of what are the regions of Eloy Alfaro, Muisne, Quinindé, Esmeraldas and San Lorenzo.
The population of this ethnic group has about 7600 members, their origin has been lost in time. To the historian González Suárez, the Chachi ethnic group is originally from Nicaragua and Panama, they are descendants of the Chibchas and are supposed to have mixed with the Caribbean and the Arawacos.
Here is a short video from 2001, that doesn’t have the best resolution as you can imagine it was my first Mini DV Digital Camera and I was happy to create this content and am now finally able to recover it and share it with you.
If you are in South America I would love to see your pictures.
Jijón y Caamaño (1919), affirms that their origin is from the jungle, passing through the Putumayo they might have emigrated to Imbabura, and afterward moved to the coastal region. The Incan invasion as well as the Spanish conquest were the main reasons that forced them to move to their present location, in Esmeraldas.
The Indian tradition proves that Pueblo Viejo (“Tutsa”, in their native language) is the first place where they settled down.
From here, the Chachi came down to the Santiago river, passing then to the Zapallo Grande river and then to the Cayapas, settling in its affluents. From these same traditions, they are originally from Ibarra, then they emigrated to the Zone of Esmeraldas, due to the menace that their powerful enemies had, the same that had the help of their sages or “sorcerers”.
History
Situated in the province of Esmeraldas, they have developed their culture based on three activities. Horticulture, hunting, fishing, and harvesting. This culture grew stronger due to a strict set of rules and norms, the same that have to deal with their relationships, marriage and sexual behaviors.
They have had almost no contact with other groups in the zone and they have been practically forgotten by the government as well as by the society in Ecuador. Therefore, as a result, they have been able to preserve their lifestyle for centuries.
Nevertheless, due to the increasing amount of black and mixed cultures that are presently located nearby, in search for lands where they can survive, the presence of missionaries, and the activities of the wood companies, the Chachi community is presenting a series of new situations and matters that demand change.
Due to the circumstances, the Chachi, originally hunters and fishers, have become jungle farmers that just from time to time go out in search of animals to hunt, fish or seafood, each day harder to find. They have even had the need to sell their labor force as well as their handicrafts in order to survive.
The banana is their main source of nutriment and also for harvest, as well as the cacao and the coffee that is to be sold and some rice for their own use.
This video dates back to 2001 when I got as a gift my first Digital Video Camera, and although it doesn’t have the best resolution, I hope it helps convey a bit more about this ethnic group.
I highly recommend visiting this indigenous group. Learn about their traditions and culture and at the same time help them buy their handcrafts.
If you are planning a trip to Ecuador and are interested in its history, be sure to take a look at this travel guide: Ecuador and Galapagos (Insight Guides)
PIN IT FOR LATER
Don´t just dream it, make it happen. Plan your South American trip with a local!
Take a look at the list of travel resources to plan your trip and travel in South America, here
Find out what to do, see, eat, and more. Register to get your Free Ebook, here
Like Visit Ecuador and South America on Facebook, follow the blog on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, and subscribe on YouTube. Send us an email to get more information or help planning your trip: info(at) visitecuadorandsouthamerica(dot)com
