La Mama Negra – ¿símbolo de la multiculturalidad ecuatoriana?

Abstract

The article analyses the popular Ecuadorian fiesta La Mama Negra which takes place in the Andes and is actually split into two parts, each happening on a different day for social reasons. While Afro-Ecuadorians are – in everyday life – excluded from society, the black masks (negros) are during the fiesta itself highly valued by the mestizo-participants. The Afro-Ecuadorian population (which never existed in this region in noticeable numbers at any time) plays a prominent part in the performance of the Mama Negra and is also present in the myths of resistance and liberation which circulate in the collective consciousness of the inhabitants of Latacunga. Nevertheless, the Afro-Ecuadorians still serve merely as a medium in the process of constructing a glorified national mestizo identity.