Mirada arqueológica e histórica de la alimentación cañari

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze the food practices of the Cañari culture (prehistoric past) through an interdisciplinary approach that combines archaeological methodology, including systematic prospection and the analysis of cultural materials, with documentary ethnohistorical analysis. The research focuses on the El Pailón site, located in the Sígsig canton, Ecuador, considered a natural area that offers a new perspective on lesser-studied ancient Cañari settlements, particularly regarding agricultural production and the management of local resources. Drawing on accounts from colonial chroniclers and archaeological findings, food practices are reconstructed as cultural expressions rich in symbolism, hierarchy, and identity. The Cañari diet included maize, potatoes, quinoa, and guinea pig, prepared through complex techniques and preserved using methods such as chuño and charqui. These foods not only nourished the body but also created connections with nature, ancestors, and the social order. The archaeological prospection at El Pailón revealed ceramic, botanical, and lithic remains that reflect culinary, ritual, and everyday activities. Despite material limitations, the findings reveal a culture deeply connected to its environment and structured around reciprocity and spirituality. Lastly, the study reflects on the transformations and continuities of food practices after the conquest, recognizing food as a living archive of memory, resistance, and cultural continuity in the southern Ecuadorian Andes.