Weaving and Writing

Agricultural identity of Indigenous Salasacas in Ecuador

“…For the Salasacas, the chaguarmishqui is a liquid extracted from the blue agave. The chaguarmishqui is important for Salasacas because, in times of need, it gave them food and drink, and clothing (Wogan, 2018). In addition, Allauca (2013) found that blue agave has essential health properties suitable for liver maintenance.…”

“…Salasacas culture substantially avoids Mestizo (descend-ants of Europeans and Indigenous Americans) culture, limiting their participation (Beck & Mijeski, 2000). However, Wogan (2018) found that the Salasacas community has high future expectations, is willing to have non-discrimination, and is under equal participation. Although there is a well-known migration of Salasacas culture to the Galapagos Islands, where Galapagos Islands Mestizos’ culture could influence Salasacas culture, the Salasacas have been enforcing their Indigenous traditions (Hidalgo Armijos & Maldonado, 2016).…”

“…Although the Salasacas’s agricultural production is primarily based on horticulture, they practice a hybrid nomadic farming system that includes more than 70 crop species, including corn, potatoes, beans, peas, and alfalfa. The crops are planted using rudimentary tools, produced locally, and are separated by ordered lines of agave plants (Corr & Powers, 2012; Wogan, 2018).…”