Artwork from Ancient Ecuador Group C

GBD MICROSITE: INDIGENOUS  ARTWORK FROM ANCIENT ECUADOR

Artwork from Ancient Ecuador–Group C

Top: Human Hocker. Bottom: Crouching Dog.

A Brief History of Ecuador

Regional Development: 500 B.C. – 500 A.D.

The La Tola people made art and elaborate jewelry from platinum and gold. It’s especially significant that they worked with platinum, since this form of metalwork did not exist in Europe until the mid-19th century. Around the same time, the Bahía culture developed in the modern-day Manabí Province, and left behind an abundance of ceramics and statues. Evidence of trade and travel between ancient Ecuadorian cultures has also emerged. Based on ceramics, we know that the Huancavilca people would sail balsa rafts to Mexico for trading. Following in the Bahía’s footsteps, the Manta culture rose to power in the coastal area of Manabí. Ceramics found in the Galápagos resemble those produced by the Manta. Although there is no definite historical consensus, there is a good chance the Manta knew about the Galápagos and traded there.

*A Brief History of Ecuador is from Anywhere Ecuador. The Images: All images and descriptions are taken from the book “Indian Designs from Ancient Ecuador” by Frederick W. Shafer. Learn more about the book here. Artwork Colors: The artwork has been colorized by Granite Bay Design from the original black and white versions. What the Artwork Shows: The wide bands above show the bead artwork flattened out. Next to that is what the bead looks like with the pattern applied. Finally, there is a small circle containing a black and white version of the bead at actual size. About the Author: The author of the book, Frederick W. Shaffer, took great care in reproducing the artwork as it was originally rendered. Learn more about that here.