The espadrille: An ancient indigenous activity of Imbabura

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to publicize the way in which the trade of alpargatas is practiced in the province of lmbabura. This occupation, implanted by the Spaniards in the first years of the conquest of America, had great importance in the colonial period, since the production of espadrilles from the obrajes of the Royal Audience of Quito, along with other products, was sent to various places. of this continent. We transcribe documents referring to the subject, although they do not correspond exclusively to the study area; They are included because we believe that the same or similar manufacturing process and generalization in use should have occurred in those places. Espadrilles, part of the clothing of the indigenous people of lmbabura, are being replaced by another type of footwear.