Portraits of Indigenous Peoples - KichwaSalasaka

Portrait of Mirian Masaquiza, a KichwaSalasaka indigenous woman.

The KichwaSalasaka are located between Ambato and Pelileo Cities, Tungurahua Province, Ecuador (Andean region). Currently, her community has 5,400 inhabitants. She is wearing a special occasion outfit, which identifies her people from other indigenous peoples of the region. The women's clothing consists of a long black anaco (skirts) that reaches an intermediate point between the knee and the heel, supported by a chumbi (woven belts) and a pichujirguita (black blouse), two bayetas (shawels) and a white lishta that covers the back, which are held with a silver tupu (brooch). In the dress the ucupachallina stands out, a white shawl with ornaments of bright and colorful tassels worn on the shoulders. The clothing worn by women in different celebrations is not very different from what they wear daily. The traditional white hat, for both women and men, is today used only occasionally and mostly worn during festivities and celebrations.