Quichua Pottery: Cultural Identity and the Market

This paper examines the current attempt by the Quichua people of Ecuador to strengthen traditional culture through the development of a market for their ceramics. It begins with a brief analysis of contemporary Quichua culture and the factors that must be addressed to revitalize traditional values. This is followed by a discussion regarding the choice to specifically focus on ceramics as a marketable aspect of traditional culture and, finally, an investigation of the internal and external factors that will effect the success or failure of this endeavor.