Jipijapa before 1500: Pre-Hispanic History and Culture (Original)

Abstract

The present study analyzes the history and pre-Hispanic culture of Jipijapa before the year 1500, highlighting the influence of various civilizations, such as the Manteño-Huancavilca culture. The methodology used was a qualitative approach, based on a bibliographic and documentary review of sources that address the pre-Hispanic history of Jipijapa and the Ecuadorian coastal region. The search for sources was not limited to specific years due to the few digital references that exist from this time. A descriptive research design was used, which allowed us to analyze the cultural, social and economic characteristics of the people who inhabited this territory at that time. The results identified that Jipijapa was an important center of trade and artisanal production, with an economy based on agriculture and the exchange of goods such as spondylus shell and cocoa. In addition, cultural aspects such as social organization, artistic manifestations, religious beliefs and ancestral gastronomy were explored. The findings allow us to understand the role of Jipijapa in pre-Columbian exchange networks and its contribution to the cultural development of the region. Likewise, the importance of preserving this historical heritage and the need to continue with archaeological investigations that delve into the cultural wealth of this territory are highlighted.