Photos from the Canar Market

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Canar is the homeland of the Canari people. They date back to before the Inca people and, obviously outlasted them. We suspect that Canar is 97+% Canari. and the rest are mestizo. Traditional dress, especially on market day is predominant as is the Canari language. Every Sunday, Canari farmers and village dwellers flock to the market to sell everything from grain to sheep to pigs and chickens to clothing, especially the signature cinturon (belt). Actually the belts are sold from the jail for the most part and, sadly it was closed when we went. Canar is only a few minutes away from the Ingapirca Inca ruins, the largest and most intact in Ecuador. It is also a place that was originally a Canari religious site.

The day we went to Canar to visit the market had to be the coldest day of the year with freezing wind. And at 10,500 feet elevation the clothing we had on made no significant difference in our tolerance for the cold. We were, in Katy's terms, frozen to death. We were so cold, we decided not to visit the ruins because we would have to be even higher in elevation and the wind continued to increase in velocity as we perused the market.

On the other hand, Mikes goal, to gather photos of native folks was accomplished. And that is the reason for this blog, simply to share the photos of a people older in culture than the Inca.

Hope you enjoy the photos. Our next blog will be from Vilcabamba and the Izhcayluma Hosteria where we are today.

Ciao....

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Photos

An important discussion
One of the reasons for coming to market is to talk with friends about business, farming, family etc...

Traditional method of carrying
Child, groceries,or both

Keeping warm
We were not

Socks
Very few homemade wool socks left. These are from China and say USA. Whatever...

Comments

[Richard Calabro]

A Wonderful Gallery of Photos!
Mike and Katy. This is a wonderful gallery of photos! And a fascinating story!

[Mikatyadventures]

Photos
And I only sent about 10%

[star]

fascinating faces

[Jim]

hats
Any idea from what material the traditional hats are made?

[Mikatyadventures]

Hats
Yeah. It comes from a palm like plant calle toquilla. Very strong and exceptionally flexible. You can roll up the hat and put it in your suitcase or back pocket. It pops right back out when yo want to wear it.