Quito, Ecuador
The city of Quito is built on top of civilization after civilization, spanning 5000 years. There are layers of cultural development just beneath our feet.
The artefacts depicted below were excavated at various sites in the region. They have been interpreted by a multitude of anthropologists. While there is overlap in their theories, significant gaps exist in the understanding of what each piece represents.
Feel free to apply your imagination to the meaning and utility of each artefact.
These volcanic stone figures are representations of the first beings, who ancient people believed emerged from the cosmos.
Gender bending isn’t a 21st century invention. This anthropomorphic figure of a man giving birth is more than a thousand years old.
Depending on the source, it either represents a man’s empathy for a woman in childbirth, or it is a demonstration of the continuity of life, where men and women are united to produce life on earth.
What is your best guess?
This happy couple are making offerings to their deity. The man is presenting a bowl of maize beer. The woman is offering her own child as a sacrifice.
Seems like a terrible waste of beer.
I am not sure what these warriors represent, but they brought their own shade.
These two Shamans are chewing a narcotic leaf to extract hallucinogenic visions.
The Shaman on the right has a much bigger mouthful. He may be responsible for the image below.
This clay sculpture is a recreation of a vision experienced during a narcotic trance.
I am not going to describe what is happening in this bit of pre-Colombian sculpture. You just have to …
…Let Your Imagination Run Wild.
We are flying to the Galápagos tomorrow. Wifi is intermittent to non-existent on the islands so I may be off the grid periodically.
Thank you for being with us in Quito; it has been an awe-inspiring experience and we are not anxious to leave.
Judy Darvill
Looks like a great trip so far. I will wait for you to reappear and catch up then.