Puruhaes Association Open House

By Clara Nunez

A group of Puruhaes. Photo courtesy of SDOP

Puruhaes live in Riobamba, Ecuador, in the province of Chimborazo, a province with a large indigenous population. Their language is quechua, and each community has it's own clothing. The poncho, used by men, varies in design and color, as does the anaco (skirt) used by the women. The women wear necklaces with gold color beads to represent the gold their Inca ancestors had. Stories about the 300 years of slavery under Spain and how the gold was taken from them are passed from their ancestors.

On June 7, 2007, Maria Arroyo, area coordinator for South America and the Caribbean, Anna Ruiz and her husband Vicente Guijarro (SDOP friends in Ecuador), accompanied Cynthia White, SDOP director, and me for the opening house of the Social Association. In 2006 Self-Development of People (SDOP) granted the group with the funds for their building. When we arrived we were greeted by a group of smiling and tired indigenous men and women. They had worked late the night before to finish the construction and have everything ready for our arrival.

View of photo album of the construction of the Social Association building

The building will be a place where indigenous Puruhaes can meet and have their offices. Rooms in the building used to house overnight the members who have to travel long distance to the city to attend a meeting or to do business. They are going to be able to have training workshops to preserve their traditions. It was nice to see younger members at the meeting wanting to learn and help. One of them, Fausto, is studying medicine, “He is our hope,” said Miguel Cruz, President of the group. Fausto said he is struggling to pay for tuition but the community was helping as much as they could to keep him in the school. Younger members of the community teach the adults literacy.

A Puruhaes woman. Photo by courtesy of SDOP.

These women and men weave fabrics to make wonderful and colorful shawls, belts and anacos — items that they wear and sell. An older indigenous man told us that he would be teaching the younger ones how to use the loom. During the opening ceremony women were busy using their crochets to create very nice bags called Shigra. The women in the group have plans to start their own community bank to make loans to members who otherwise would not have access to a bank loan. Their work continues, now they will be getting ready to purchase items to furnish the building and to host the workshops. To support their work and Self-Development of People visit the giving opportunities page.