What do ecuador people wear

The Shimba is such an important marker of Ecuadorian indigenous identity that the Ecuadorian army does not require men to cut the Shimba off when enlisted. The women dress similarly, though their colors are often opposed to the men. Whereas the men where white pants matched with a blue poncho, women often dress in a white blouse with a blue or black skirt.

While the women often wear shawls as an accessory, it is the jewelry that holds a greater cultural signification. Otavalo women in particular wear necklaces of gold beads with red coral bracelets. Women from villages spread throughout the Sierra traditionally choose to wear full, pleated skirts. Several indigenous tribes inhabiting the Amazon rainforest continue to adorn themselves in traditional feathered headdresses as well as other accessories with tribal meaning.

A trip to Ecuador should plan to include one of the incredible markets that take place across the country. The largest is the Otavalo market, although Quito and Guayaqil also have their own impressive offerings. Travelers can find indigenous crafts, artifacts, food, textiles; these markets are famous for their diversity. View All Destinations Explore more travel destination possibilities and experience the world first hand. We Make Travel Easy 1. Featured In. Plan My Trip Tell us your travel plans and preferences and we will connect you with the best Trip Planner to help find the best trip match for you!

Complete this form with as much detail as possible to help us get started. Plan My Trip. The procedure is repeated to ensure maximum strength when woven. These hats are works of art.

Women and children make the best hats, because their fingers, being smaller, are more agile. A superfino — as the best hats are called, those most tightly woven with the thinnest, lightest straw — takes up to three months to complete. The test of a true superfino is that it should, when turned upside down, hold water without any leakage.

It should also fold up to fit neatly in a top pocket without creasing. In the Spanish-American War of , when the hats were considered ideal headgear for soldiers, the export market to the US really took off. America fell in love with the Panama, and for the next 50 years kept the industry going. The gangsters of the Prohibition period took such a shine to them that the manufacturers still call the wide-brimmed variety El Capone. In those days every household in Montecristi produced top-quality Panamas, but numbers have sadly now dwindled to a handful.

The rich, vibrant colours of the ponchos, shawls, and scarves are the most striking thing about the dress of indigenous Ecuadorians. The diversity of native dress in Ecuador reflects the strong sense of identity that the various groups have retained throughout the centuries. How they manage to balance their hats on their heads with such elegance is a mystery.

Traveling around the many markets in Ecuador, you are bound to notice the wide variety of colours and styles of shawls, ponchos, and macanas , the carrying cloths that are used to transport various essential items, from kindling to babies.