Approaching the Otavalo economy and its cultural impact

Abstract

This article explores the economic and cultural transformations of the Otavalo indigenous community, focusing on how artisanal production has been impacted by modernization and capitalism. Despite the pressure of industrialization and tourist demand, the Otavalo people have found ways to adapt and preserve their cultural identity through their economy. The analysis examines how cultural authenticity is challenged by the commercialization of artisanal products, and how artisanal production, although increasingly oriented to the external market, remains a pillar of the local economy. This study reflects on the contradictions between the traditional and the modern in artisanal production, and their impact on Otavalo cultural identity.