Description
The Saraguros are known for their elegant and traditional black national dress. The women often wear distinctive white hats with black patterns on the brim (or black felt hats), dark shawls (reboso), colourful embroidered blouses and elaborate beaded jewellery (collares). The photograph shows a traditional gathering after Sunday mass, held directly in front of the church in the main town of Saraguro in southern Ecuador (Loja Province). Those present are carrying floral arrangements and wreaths, which is typical of religious or community celebrations within the context of syncretism (the fusion of the Christian faith and the Andean cosmovision). – Ecuador – 1977
