Tsachila chica II
Sierra Centraal,
Ecuador
Just a portrait of a young Tsachila girl at home in her commune where we stayed the night. The painted stripes and spots on her face represent the measles epidemic that almost cost their extinction.
Jose, the shaman told us, I was born Tsachila, I am proud. When I go to town I wear a t-shirt but that's the only concession to modern life I make, for the youngsters its different. They want to study and lead a very different life to their parents.
As a means of earning extra income and keeping their traditions alive, the Tsachilas have opened their commue to recieve torusts. Not on a mass scale, that cant work. But a max of 4 persons on any night are welcome to observe and learn more about their life and culture.
An overnight stay I would recommend.