The Chilean archaeologist Camila Arancibia is in our country, specifically in the Valdivia commune, where she is currently developing her "Community involvement project in the enhancement of the archaeological heritage" of said commune.
The objective of this project is to bring pre-Hispanic history closer to the native people of the Valdivia Commune, emphasizing its archaeological and environmental values, encouraging reflection that ultimately contributes to strengthening cultural identity.
Camila's work focuses on the study of the case of "Fauna in the pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador", because apart from the well-known human forms (especially Venus) "there are abundant representations of fauna, that is, zoomorphic, for example crustaceans, monkeys, crabs, snakes, felines, turtles and birds. These representations can account for the relationship of the ancient inhabitants of Valdivia with nature and that is what we seek to understand with this project" says the archaeologist.
The project, which will last approximately one month, began with an open invitation to people from the community and other interested parties. Work groups were then formed that meet weekly and to whom archaeology talks are given. Visits to local and regional museums and environmental observation visits in Valdivia are also planned.
The working group participates in workshops for the identification of fauna represented in archaeological materials.
Other scheduled activities include interviews with people who have worked on archaeological excavations and visits to archaeological sites. Replicas or works of art in the form of drawings, models, photographs, ceramics or other pre-Columbian designs will also be produced.
The project was born in coordination with Norma Salinas and Hidalgo Borbor, guides of the Museum, and also has the active support of the team of the Valdivia Aquarium and, according to archaeologist Arancibia, is carried out "due to the importance that the Valdivia culture has in the historical context of America."
The final results of this work will be presented to the community and interested parties at a date to be determined in the near future.