Deep beneath our feet lies a story stretching back millennia to the Cotocollao culture. Cotocollao is more than just a parish in Quito. It’s a living testament to Ecuador’s ancient past.
Imagine this area around 1500 to 500 BCE. The Cotocollao people thrived here. They were the first inhabitants of the Ecuadorian mountains. Their villages dotted this valley.
The Cotocollao people were skilled farmers. They cultivated corn, beans, quinoa, potatoes, and lupin beans. The Cotocollao also hunted local wildlife. Deer, rabbits, and guinea pigs were part of their diet. They lived in rectangular huts made of mud and straw.
But what truly distinguished the Cotocollao people was their artistry. They were master ceramicists. They crafted pottery not just for utility but for beauty. They used pumice powder to create a distinctive red tint. Some ceramics even produced animal sounds. The quality of their work surpassed others of that time.
Archaeologists have found decorated fragments. Incisions adorned twenty percent of these pieces. Red paint and iridescent coatings added to their beauty.
The Cotocollao’s strategic location made it a crossroads. It linked the Quito basin to tropical forests. The village was organized around a cemetery. This burial ground served as a ritual focal point. This contrasts with coastal settlements.
Excavations unearthed a wealth of skeletal remains. These bones revealed insights into their lives. Analysis showed their diet, diseases, and population. Discoveries of beans and maize confirm agriculture was key. Tools like pestles and mortars further prove it.
The Cotocollao people’s story isn’t one of endless prosperity. The Pululahua volcano erupted. Ash and volcanic debris blanketed the land. This eruption around 467 BCE forced the Cotocollao to abandon their homes.
Over time, their existence faded from memory. Their houses made of organic materials decomposed. Yet, remnants survived like the holes where house posts stood. These holes were made in volcanic stone. Houses were about 24 square meters.
Centuries later, the Spanish arrived. Cotocollao transformed into agricultural land. Haciendas owned by nobles and wealthy families emerged. Mariana Carcelén, marquesa de Solanda, owned property here. Her family’s name lives on in a local barrio.
Today, Cotocollao is a blend of old and new. It has a rich history and modern life. The Cotocollao parish has experienced much development. The Avenida de la Prensa is a commercial center. Cotocollao serves as a reminder of Quito’s deep roots. The Yumbada festival each June celebrates Andean heritage. It commemorates the meeting of Andean and tropical cultures. As you explore Cotocollao, remember the ancient culture that once thrived here.