La vestimenta indígena, un elemento de identidad cultural que está desapareciendo: caso de estudio de Pueblo Salasaka, Ecuador

Abstract

[eng] The purpose of this research is to analyze the indigenous population of the Salasaka people who currently use traditional clothing divided into three segments: young, adult and elderly. It was identified who wear the clothes and what were the most used garments. As for the methodology, the instrument used is the checklist that allowed recording of the absence or presence of a certain trait. Process applied during the general assemblies attended by family representatives from the 17 communities of the Salasaka people. Baltazar Chiliquinga (2017), Governor of the Salasaka village, states that attendance at these assemblies is mandatory; therefore the sample is representative for the study. The results are worrisome because the vast majority of adults and young indigenous Salasakas are unaware of the symbolic and cultural value of their clothing and simply do not use it, this is more evident in men than in women. However the elderly and old people still have the habit of elaborating and wearing their clothes, which for them is clear the meaning and pride of being Salasakan. This investigation of the current reality alerts the authorities and community leaders to make decisions and actions that contribute to the conservation of the cultural value of this town.