Etnoarqueología de la producción textil del valle de Chanduy en la provincia de Santa Elena

Abstract

This ethnoarchaeological study examines textile production in the Chanduy Valley, located in the province of Santa Elena, with the aim of documenting and analyzing weaving techniques from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Through the comparison of pre-Hispanic and current methods, it explores the continuities and technological adaptations that have allowed these artisanal practices to persist. The research is structured around an operational chain model, covering every phase from raw material procurement to the final product, enabling a detailed analysis of each step in the production process. This information has been gathered through participatory observations and semi-structured interviews with master weavers from the communities of Tugaduaja and Pechiche, both located in the Chanduy Valley, Santa Elena province. Based on the collected data and an exhaustive literature review, this study provides a deep understanding of the changes in textile practices in the Chanduy Valley, revealing how various social, cultural, and environmental factors have impacted the master artisans. The analysis has identified significant transformations in textile manufacturing, showing that while this tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic times, it is at risk of disappearing due to modernization, globalization, and a lack of interest from authorities in its preservation. Nevertheless, ethnoarchaeology has been crucial in gathering relevant information that will serve as a foundation for future archaeological research and the preservation of these cultural practices. Keywords: Looms, preservation, cotton, teaching, impact.