Transformaciones del Artefacto Vestimentario de la Nacionalidad Tsáchila (2001 – 2013)

Abstract

This research examines the transformations of the Tsáchila nationality’s clothing artifact between 2001 and 2013, focusing on the sociopolitical changes that influenced its evolution and its role within the Kasama celebration as a system of historical memory and sociocultural adaptation. The study identifies that Tsáchila clothing, once used in everyday life, underwent a process of resignification due to factors such as national political instability, the rise of the Indigenous movement, the institutionalization of cultural heritage, globalization, and the growing influence of tourism. Through bibliographic analysis, the sociopolitical milestones that impacted Tsáchila identity and cultural practices were established. The photographic analysis of the 2001–2013 period reveals material, aesthetic, and functional transformations in both male and female garments, particularly regarding fibers, techniques, colors, and adornments. Finally, through the analysis of the clothing artifact, traditional elements were contrasted with emergent variations, highlighting a process of symbolic continuity despite the incorporation of industrial materials and contemporary aesthetics. The findings show that although Tsáchila clothing has undergone transformations driven by external pressures, it continues to serve as an essential marker of identity within the Kasama and remains a central component of collective memory. This research contributes to the field of intercultural design and cultural heritage preservation, emphasizing the importance of documenting and analyzing clothing as a dynamic system of cultural meaning.