Otavalo: History

Pre-20th-Century History

Four thousand years ago, ancestors of Otavaleño (people from Otavalo) weavers used the backstrap loom. They sat on the ground, like their modern counterparts, holding it between their bare feet, and interlaced threads into complex and dazzling designs.

Probably around AD 800, Ecuadorian societies became larger and more hierarchical. In the northern highlands, around present-day Otavalo, the peaceful Quitus (from which Quito takes its name) were prominent. By the end of the first millennium AD, the expansionist Caras of the coast conquered the Quitus and the combined cultures became known as the Quitus-Caras, or the Shyris. They were the dominant force in the highlands until about the 1300s, when the Puruhá of the central highlands became more powerful.

When the Incas reached Ecuador in the early 15th century, they were met with fierce resistance. It was some years before Tupac Yupanqui, the Inca ruler, was able to subdue the Cañari of the south and turn his attention to the north. When he did, the Shyris were equally fierce. Around 1495, however, they were defeated and the site of present-day Otavalo became an Inca administrative center.

But the Inca Empire in Ecuador was destined to be short-lived. Tupac Yupanqui fathered a son, Huayna Capac, to a Cañari princess. After succeeding his father, Huayna Capac produced two sons of his own. When he died, however, he left the empire to both sons. Thus the Inca Empire was divided for the first time and the nation soon broke into civil war. Meanwhile, Francisco Pizzaro arrived from Spain into a weakened, Ecuador. His advance was rapid and dramatic. In 1534, the Spanish conquered Ecuador and gave Otavalo its name - all the land in this area was given to Spanish settlers within a year.

Indigenous Otavaleños have long been recognized as brilliant weavers and craftspeople. However, they were exploited by colonialists. In the mid-1550s, a conquistador received a large encomienda (population grant). He set up an obraje (weaving factory) in Otavalo, which employed up to 500 indígenas (indigenous people) at its peak. Eventually, haciendas (large, privately owned landholdings), employing workers under sweatshop-like conditions, were commonplace. In the 18th century, indígenas were conscripted to work in haciendas through the mita , a system of forced labor.

Modern History

Thanks to a debt servitude scheme, many workers became dependent on haciendas . Consequently, textile production became the mainstay of the colonial economy.

In 1964, the Law of Agrarian Reform and Colonization was passed and Otavaleños were finally able to prosper from their weaving and craftsmanship. Servitude was outlawed, some land reform was realized and Otavaleños received more equitable treatment as result of their involvement in the manufacturing and marketing of textiles.

Recent History

Today, the Otavalo population is made up of indígenas , mestizos and those of European descent.

Otavaleños are now the wealthiest and most commercially successful indígenas in Ecuador - a status which translates to owning hotels and Ford Rangers, and having an indigenous mayor. This juxtaposition of savvy and tradition illuminates how marginalized the rest of Latin America's native populations are in comparison.

However, the Otavaleños ancient artistry is facing modern-day challenges: the use of electric looms continues to rise. As trade increases beyond Ecuador's borders, so does the incursion of foreign products. Visitors who travel the length of the Andes often spot the same goods everywhere, and stop buying. Otavalo has addressed this by placing stricter controls on goods in their markets - 80% to 90% of the work sold is now local. To support traditional industry, travelers should purchase handmade goods.

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