As a matter of course, one eventually learns that the Inca was not the first culture to develop in the Andes. Fascinating people flourished in the nation that is now called Ecuador. The Tolita, Guangala, Bahia, and Jama Coaque are just a few of the societies that lived there long ago.
Cities have been built upon the ruins of these ancient civilizations. Their memory, however, has been retained by their descendants, and now forms the base of Ecuadorian national history. This week I visited El Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes. Within its walls are the largest collection of ancient artifacts that I have seen in my young life.
A few important facts to remember about Pre-Columbian Ecuador:
1. The Incans were not the first culture there.
2. Stone was the lifeblood of their buildings.
3. Always stone.
4. Faces were considered the most beautiful part of the body, and thus, increased detail was put into the face in art.
5. These were advanced agricultural civilizations.
More photos from my trip to the museum are in this Flickr photo set.
2 comments:
The hot springs sound really good tonight when the wind chills here are expected to get down to -35 to -45.
Enjoy!
Whoops, wrong post,
Loved the artifacts.
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