Ecuador is a place of tradition and the skills involved in the art is passed from generation to generation. Ecuador Art depicts its rich culture and heritage along with the diversity.
Amongst the local people there is hardly any difference between the fine arts and crafts. That is why most of the
Ecuadorian Art is not only beautiful, but also has a practical use. Few of the city Arts are commercialized and are of poor quality, but the work available in the crafts markets in Otavalo or Salcedo, are genuine hand crafted goods, which are also inexpensive.
Art of Ecuador includes quite a few things like the Panama Hat, which is being made there for more than hundred years. Ecuador Art also includes weaving, as the woven crafts of Ecuador are quite popular all around Ecuador. The craft of weaving was first brought to Ecuador by the Spanish, who capitalized the indigenous people for cheap labor.
Art from Ecuador is very creative and the craftsmen are innovative. Bags, backpacks and other articles are made from plant fibers, which look quite trendy and attractive. Ecuador Art also includes wood cravings, which are famous for ages. During colonial years, only Churches used the wood cravings, but soon it became a fashion.
The most unique piece of the Ecuador Art is the bread figures, which are the most popular. The art of making small colored dolls in the shape of men, women and donkeys is quite interesting. Like this Ecuadorian Art also consists of a few other small articles like the Andean dress pins, which ladies use to close their 'urku' or cloak. Though its traditional use has declined, the popularity still exists.
Besides these, there are popular primitivist paintings, which are done on leather and depict village scenes. These paintings are extremely attractive and are an important part of the Ecuador Art. Moreover traditionally the people from Quichua decorated drums and masks for festivals. Though painting on flat surface is new, the art was found in 1970s. Thus Ecuadorian Art is quite classy and depicts the Ecuadorian culture at its best.
