Chachi

South Americaother subsistence combinations
Map
expand_more Description

The Chachi live in single-household settlements along the Rio Cayapas and its tributaries in northwest Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. Chachi history and origins are somewhat obscure. Scholars debate whether they came to their present location from the highlands or from the coastal region. The earliest contact with the Spanish occurred in the 1590s. The Chachi mostly subsist on river fishing, and on upland hunting and growing plantains and manioc. Canoe-making is a major manufacturing activity. The Chachi are largely self-governing and the Ecuadorian government recognizes Chachi tribal sections as owners of the land in their territory.

Identifier
Region
  • South America
Subregion
  • Northwestern South America
Subsistence Type
  • other subsistence combinations
Samples
Countries
  • Ecuador
External Links