Quitu culture facts for kids
Map showing the extent of the Quitu culture
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| Geographical range | Pichincha |
|---|---|
| Period | Regional Development |
| Dates | c. 500 BCE - 980 CE |
| Preceded by | Cotocollao culture |
| Followed by | Kingdom of Quito |
The Quitu were ancient people who lived in Ecuador long before Europeans arrived. They founded the city of Quito, which is now the capital of Ecuador. The Quitu ruled their land from about 2000 BCE. They continued to thrive during a time called the Regional Integration Period. Later, the powerful Inca took over their territory. In 1534, the Spanish arrived and conquered the area.
The Quitu lived in a mountainous area, mostly settling in the valleys. Around 800 CE, they built special tombs that were 20 meters deep and had three levels. These tombs were part of their burial sites on a high plateau. When people were buried, they were placed with valuable items. These included fine cloths, shells, metals, and even food and drink. These items were meant for the journey into the afterlife. Many of these tombs were found in the Florida neighborhood of Quito. In 2010, the Museum of Florida opened to show these amazing treasures. The capital city, Quito, was named after these people. For a long time, some thought the Quitu were just a legend.
History of the Quitu People
The Quitu lived in a region surrounded by tall mountains. These included the Guagua and Ruco Pichincha volcanoes. The mountains were very important and sacred to them. They built their burial sites on the high plateau. Most of their villages were located in the valleys below. When they first lived in this area, they used the Iñaquito lagoon. This lagoon was later filled in during the 20th century to build an airport for Quito.
For many years, not much archaeological proof of the Quitu people was found. This made some historians wonder if they truly existed as a distinct culture. A Spanish historian named Juan de Velasco wrote a book in 1789. In his book, Historia del Reino de Quito en la América meridional, he claimed the Quitu were conquered by the Cara culture around 980 CE. He also called the Quitu people "Scyris." Velasco suggested they might have been related to the Inca. He mentioned old documents as his sources. However, these documents are no longer available for scholars to study. Velasco believed that the Quitu and Cara cultures joined together. This union formed the basis for what was called the Kingdom of Quito.
However, in the 20th century, historians like Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño and Alfredo Pareja Diezcanseco disagreed. They doubted that the Scyris people ever existed. They also questioned any link between the Quitu and the Inca. At that time, the Quitu-Cara kingdom was often seen as a legendary kingdom. People would refer to it when dreaming of past glories. These historians could not find any archaeological remains of the Quitu.
It was not until the early 21st century that a large Quitu burial site was discovered in Quito. This site was also used for ceremonies. Archaeologist Holguer Jara explained that this delay was actually good. It protected the artifacts for centuries from grave robbers. Many other ancient cultures have had their valuable gold and other items stolen. But this also meant that experts knew very little about the Quitu culture for a long time.
In 2010, many deep, three-level Quitu tombs were found in Quito. These tombs date back to about 800 CE. Each tomb had three levels. There were multiple burials on each level. The lowest level held four bodies. The next two levels each held six bodies. Both men and women were buried in a squatting position. They were wrapped in cloth and wore decorated ponchos. Some ponchos had beautiful, carved Spondylus shells. The Quitu traded for these shells with the Manta culture. The Manta lived along the Pacific coast.
The Quitu people are believed to have continued to exist for a long time. They were part of a period when different cultures in the region came together. This was long before the Inca conquered the area. It was also long before Spanish explorers arrived in the early 1500s.
Quitu Trade and Culture
The Quitu traded with the Yumbo people. The Yumbo lived to the northwest of the Quitu area. The Yumbo had trade routes that stretched from the Andes mountains all the way to the coast. The items found in Quitu tombs show that they got valuable Spondylus shells. These shells were collected by the Manta people. The Manta lived in what are now the coastal provinces of Manabí and Santa Elena. Spondylus shells were highly prized by Native Americans. They were traded throughout South America. Shells have been found in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and even present-day Mexico. The Quitu, like many other groups, believed these shells had a sacred meaning. They used them in their religious ceremonies.
The Quitu people also created art. They used wooden instruments to make music.
The Museum of Florida was built in the neighborhood where the tombs were found. It displays and explains the artifacts from the tombs. The museum has figures of a Quitu man and woman. The woman's face was recreated using forensic science from a skull found at the site. The woman's figure wears clothing like that found in the tombs. This includes "a poncho covered with small buttons carved from Spondylus shell and snails." She also wears silver jewelry like earrings, pins, and necklaces. Hunting darts and rattles were also found. The Quitu were a joyful people. Women used rattles to make music as they walked.
Quitu Society and Beliefs
Excavations of the tombs show that the Quitu believed in an afterlife. They buried items like food and drink with the dead. These were meant for use in the afterlife. The Quitu were mainly farmers. They were known as a "pueblo alegre y festivo," which means a "happy and festive people."
The Quitu people are not connected to the Peruvian town of Iquitos. Iquitos is located east of the mountains in the Amazonian basin.
See also
