Getting closer to the past, an archeological approximation to the bonding program

Abstract

The “mocarros” is a normal world for the inhabitants of the Coaque river valley in the north province of Manabi. Local oral tradition is full of stories of finding archeological artifacts like vessels and figures. Those figurines called “muñecas”, were traditionally the most wanted, looted and sold artifacts. Since a long time ago, many of the members of the population dedicated their lifes to trading these objects in the national and international market. This practice officially ended with the decreet Nº. 2600 of the National Institute of Cultural Patrimony in 1978 (Consejo Supremo de Gobierno, 1978) that forbids the excavation without government issued permit. In fact, when severe problems affect the local economy, looting for selling continues. Since 2015, the project of community archeology in the valley of the coaque river has allowed interactions between the academy, represented by the professors and students of archeology of the San Francisco de Quito University, local leaders and local community at large. This paper pretends, to show how important the study the past of this coastal valley is and at the same time shows how a process of dialogue and participation with the community creates interactions that builds sense of identity and results on protecting their patrimony.