Clay Martin (Ecuador ’08 – ’10) joined with his Ecuadorean host father Alejandro Aguavil to discuss life among the Tsachi people of Ecuador. The Tsachi were traditionally nomads who years ago settled in a valley in Ecuador, where they fell victim to smallpox and yellow fever. Members of the tribe consulted traditional medicine and were able to save themselves. Alejandro still observes many of the old customs, including dying his hair red with the plants that saved the tribe. He also wears a cotton piece on the top of his head, signifying peace. Clay, too, has been known to dye his hair and use the traditional body paint of the Tsachi. He described the various projects that he introduced during his Peace Corps service, including promoting tourism to supplement their traditional agriculture. Alejandro said that he appreciates the service of Peace Corps Volunteers who go around the world to help others. After the presentation, Alejandro gave a short demonstration of the drumming and chanting that are part of the shaman’s practice to invoke the living earth.
Here is a link to a YouTube video of Alejandro’s demonstration.