Story of Tigua paintings © 1999-2006 jim nicolalde The indigenous people of the Tigua village, in the province of Cotopaxi, approximately 55 kms west of Latacunga in Ecuador, live on the Andes Mountains, a land that is rather dry, and cool, sunny and mountainous thus depicting the landscapes in their art. Their language is Quichua (Kichua) and followed by Spanish in which Quichua; is the language of the Incas in which they descend from. The style is naif and the canvas is made from sheepskin wrapped over a wooden frame, nailed on the edges and allowed to dry. The drying process creates a taut canvass and often you can "play" your Tigua paintings as the sound when the skin is tapped, is that like that of a drum's skin. After they dry they are painted with bright enamel colours and allowed to dry before heading to market. The edges are usually painted black and when hanged on a wall, they stand out about an inch (depending on size) and you have an almost 3 dimensional painting instead of a flat piece. Some frames are colorful as the paintings themselves. When framed properly, and given the right light, they bring a dull room to life due to the bright colours incorporated in the enamel paints. In the 1970's, Julio Toaquiza in the community of Huana Toro Pata in the Valle de Tigua (Valley of Tigua), began to paint in this style of a hide, or sheepskin over a wooden frame and he in turn inspired other artists from his town consisting mainly of other family members, but also taught some outsiders. Some of these members paint only part time, or temporarily, others have dedicated to other occupations. One estimate is that about 80 homes can maintain themselves by means of their art and at full time. An estimated 6 medium sized paintings per artist is the median capacity per artist according to Rudi Colloredo from LaHora,an Ecuadorian newspaper. Today, if you take a tour to Ecuador, make sure you stop Saturday Morning at the Zumbahua Market where some of the naif style Tigua painters show their wares. Tigua is located over 11,000 feet MSL so if you're a low- lander, it will take a few days to getting accustomed to the high altitude. Limit your activities the first few days and take deep breaths if you begin to feel dizzy, sleepy, or unexpectedly tired. Take and always drink bottled water and avoid eating out especially from mobile little snack shops. Today, as of January 2006, the art has expanded to include other canvasses for their craft, such as wooden food trays etc. and the like, jewelry boxes all done with the theme of bright naif style painting. Are you currently selling Ecuadorian arts? Send us a link! Have a link for us to include on this site? Contact us! |
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