People of the
rainforest
The origin of the
Quichua peoples of the Ecuadorian
Amazon rainforest goes back to the 15th century and in reality stems
from a variety of extinct indigenous groups such as the Omaguas, Quijos,
Yumbos, Tenas and Archidonas whom lived in Amazonia at this time.
Another group, the Zaparo and their language are facing extinction.
The Incas actually came as far as Coca to trade and
the Quichua indigenous language was used as the language of trade with
the Incas. The missionaries that began their evangelization work chose
the Kichwa language instead of Zaparo as the common language to
communicate with these groups.
The Kichwa of the present day number approximately
40,000 and are divided into two groups; the Kichwa of the province of
Pastaza and the Kichwa of the provinces of Napo and Orellana. They have
adapted to the more dominant western culture but still maintain hunting
and fishing as an important part of their culture as do the Waorani.
