Page 40 - SABANDO_FALCONES_MARÍA_WRITING_II_PORTFOLIO

STEP #4 ESSAY

All throughout Ecuador are many identities but the Tsachilas is one of the big
identities that stand out through their ways and their unique look. Namely, the word

Colorado means “colored” and it was given to them because of their way of coloring their

bodies and hair with red dye. “BACKGROUND INTRODUCTION”

First, Tsachilas identity is located in "Santo Domingo de Los Colorados" in

Western South America. [Tsachila identity is divided into several communities like
“Congoma Grande”, “Los Naranjos”, “El Buho de Los Colorados” and other, settled in the

rural area of the canton of Santo Domingo]. Indeed, [men are always breadwinners of the

family, they are distinguished by having their hair painted red and wearing stripes on their

body].

Regardless of their aspect, Tsachilas live in small groups, their lifestyle is very

representative. However, [they are very peaceful people with their environment. They are

dedicated to collecting fruits and wild medicines, especially the cultivation of cassava,

tagua nuts, bananas and other tropical fruits]. [Their unique look is what allows the

Tsachilas to stand out, both women and men have their way of dressing]. [The men wear a
simple cotton mantle decorated in white and black or white and indigo blue lines; they

combine it with a white skirt]. [The women wear colored mantles and skirts decorated in

stripes].

Considering many children of Tsachilas identity are forced to leave school for
reasons of discrimination towards their identity. [On the other hand, some can’t study

because they live in the jungle, away from the city]. [More importantly, women are more

dedicated to caring for their families like the most important thing they have]