Andean Entrepreneurs: Otavalo Merchants and Musicians in the Global Arena

by Lynn A. Meisch

Book Overview

Native to a high valley in the Andes of Ecuador, the Otavalos are an indigenous people whose handcrafted textiles and traditional music are now sold in countries around the globe. Known as weavers and merchants since pre-Inca times, Otavalos today live and work in over thirty countries on six continents, while hosting more than 145,000 tourists annually at their Saturday market.

In this ethnography of the globalization process, Lynn A. Meisch...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0292752598
• ISBN13: 9780292752597
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A perfect follow-up for a visit to Ecuador

Upon the recommendation of the owner of the mountain lodge where we stayed in Otavalo, Ecuador, I ordered Andean Entrepreneurs following our return home. Lynn Meisch has written a highly readable book about the people and commerce of that region, well-researched and full of interesting detail. It is warm and human, reflecting her love of the Otavaleños, with whom she lived for long periods of time. It was fascinating to learn so much about the music, the style of dress, customs, families, entrepreneurial spirit, and long-standing skill with weaving and textiles among these kind people with whom I had enjoyed an interesting visit. This book will be quite valuable for anyone contemplating a visit to Ecuador, or who has returned from time spent there.