ICONOGRAPHY AS A REFLECTION OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CEREMONIAL PLACES OF THE SALASAKA PEOPLE

Abstract

This study is part of the project "Design and memory. Senses exposed in Salasaca iconography", which is developed at the Faculty of Design and Architecture of the Technical University of Ambato and in which the iconography of Salasaka's embroidery and paintings is analyzed, to identify the morphological, aesthetic and symbolic characteristics of their iconography. In addition, the relationships between these visual representations and other aspects are explored, such as the ritual sites of the indigenous community located on the slope of the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador. Salasaka is known for its cultural and ethnic wealth, with an economy based on agriculture and textile crafts, which attract tourists. Salasaka's reality is intrinsically linked to its geographical environment, where physical spaces have a symbolic value. L The community has maintained an authentic religiosity over time, consecutively performing traditional rituals. Recently, tourism has flourished, especially after the Inti Raymi festival was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ecuador, which has provided a new source of income for its inhabitants. In this study, in addition to an iconographic analysis, six ceremonial and sacred sites for the community are identified, which contribute to cultural tourism.