PDF Sante Fe

1. AMAZONIAN CERAMICS FROM
Kawsak Sacha - The Living Forest
ECUADOR
My name is Rosa Canelos, and it is my honor to present the ceramic art of my people, the Kichwa, at the
16th Annual International Folk Art Market (IFAM) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, July 12-14, 2019. I
am seeking to raise $2,750 to cover the costs involved in introducing Kichwa pottery to the U.S. Our
presence at IFAM is the first step in a project called Mujeres Ceramistas del Territorio Kawsak Sacha de
PAKKIRU, or Women Ceramicists of the Living Forest of PAKKIRU. The goal of the project is to
promote the indigenous art of the region, particularly the ceramics of our traditional women artists.
The proceeds from sales of traditional pottery at IFAM will not only help improve life conditions in our
communities, but also help to empower us as Indigenous women. A successful market experience will
demonstrate that our art and culture has value, which will raise self-esteem and encourage us to continue
to practice and transmit this invaluable tradition.
The Tradition:
Our 160 Kichwa communities, consisting of 20,000 people, live at the edge of the Amazonian jungle of
Ecuador, on the banks of the Bobonaza and Curaray Rivers. This territory is home to an active ceramic art
community with ancient roots, for we have transmitted this traditional art of pottery making from
generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Traditional ceramics play a key role in maintaining our culture. Each day, horns are blown to call the
people to join together. Then, the traditional drink, chicha, is passed around in a handmade bowl called a

2. mokawa, and hot food is served in a kallana. These traditional practices help knit our families and
communities together.
Rosa Vargas and kichwa girl apprentices Rosa Canelos and Carlota Vargas drinking chicha
To create the ceramics, we work with clay in the same way our ancestors have for centuries. We then
decorate each bowl by hand, using mineral dyes and brushes made with locks of our hair as bristles. Our
designs speak a “forgotten language”- ancient symbols representing sacred animals, plants and spirits-to
express the deep connection our culture has with Nature. This is our way of continuously renewing that
relationship.
Aurora Andi Clementina Malaber

3. The Vision:
The "Women Ceramicists of the Living Forest of PAKKIRU" project is part of a much more
comprehensive vision, known as the Life Plan for the Kichwa People of Pastaza. In brief, the Life Plan
calls for the renewal of our culture, particularly the restoration of our traditional cultural-spiritual values,
so that we can fulfill our role as guardians of the Living Forest.
Today, with the constant exploitation and destruction of the Amazon, vulnerable ancient cultures like ours
are under constant threat. The cycle is by now so familiar: economic pressures mount, the younger
generation leaves in search of jobs, traditions die, social dysfunction arises, health deteriorates and the
culture begins to wither from within.
Yet, wherever there is life, there is also hope. For the Kichwa people of Pastaza, hope lives in and through
this ancient art. It lives in the powerful symbols and cultural stories painted with such reverence and care
on those delicate bowls, and it lives in through the traditional knowledge handed down from mother to
daughter over the ages.
As a member of the Governing Council of the Kichwa organization of Pastaza (known as PAKKIRU), I
am a leader in charge of the Women and Health Department. One of my goals is to help women improve
their lives and those of their families and communities by promoting the marketing and sales of Kichwa
pottery. In this capacity, I travel throughout the territory developing relationships with women potters and
other artisans. Now, I am also reaching out globally to those who share our vision and can help support for
our enterprise.
Our vision is both practical and aspirational. For example, we are promoting the use of traditional
ceramics amongst our people as an alternative to plastic, aluminum and other toxic materials. We also
aspire to create a center in the city of Puyo, the capital of the province, where the artisanal and natural
products of the indigenous communities of Pastaza can be featured and offered for sale.
We are grateful for any contribution you can make to this effort. Thank you for your kind consideration...
Make a donation here...
You can also make a donation to our sister organization in San Francisco:
FRIENDS OF SACHA WARMI - Amalgated Bank - Account
number: 2021921