Tin Tin is a mythical character with a wide territorial distribution in Ecuador, with roots that are intertwined in the rich cultural tapestry of the country. This legendary being, also known as Chusa-longo in the Andes or Trauko in Chile, is a reflection of ancestral beliefs and traditions that have endured over time.
Tin Tin is more than just a legend; it is a reflection of Ecuador's rich cultural diversity and ancestral heritage. Through its multiple interpretations and regional adaptations, Tin Tin lives on in the stories, traditions and beliefs of Ecuadorian communities. Its presence in archaeology, literature and oral traditions demonstrates the importance and impact of this mythical character on the country's cultural identity.
Origins and territorial distribution
Tin Tin is part of the Guancavilca-Pache or Manteño-Guancavilca cultural legacy, with a significant presence on the Ecuadorian coast. From Vinces to Quevedo, descriptions of Tin Tin vary, showing the diversity of local interpretations and adaptations. In Vinces, he is described as having a mariachi-style hat, claws and sharp teeth, while in Quevedo he is portrayed as a tall, chubby being that shrinks and uses luminous vultures to seduce people under the full moon.
On the Isla Corazón in the province of Manabí, he is known as Felipe or Felipe el Tin Tin. According to local legends, he lives in the mangroves, wears a huge hat and plays charming melodies on his guitar to woo women. In addition, it is said that he has his feet turned in order to divert his trail in the mud. In various parts of Manabí, he is known for having the power to turn into the Pedrote bird or Motmot.
The Birí and Sexuality
The Tin Tin is considered a goblin, and in cultures where sexuality was open and without reservation, it was given a role on the margin between the material act (coitus) and the divine act (fertilization). However, with the influence of "Catholicization," it has been given a malevolent character, as in the case of Chuzalongo in La Sierra. The twisted figure of the Tin Tin was intended to teach the dangers of inbreeding.
Studies and References
The Tin Tin has been the subject of study by several researchers. Miguel Wagner conducted a study published in the Symposium on Andino-Mesoamerican Correlations, while Nicholas Fintzelberg wrote a thesis entitled “The form, meaning and function of a Duende legend in the Santa Elena Peninsula, Ecuador” in 1975. Other relevant sources include the works of Vladimir Propp, “Historical Roots of the Magical Tale” and “Morphology of the Tale”.
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