Figure

A possible Bahia sanctuary, called Los Esteros, was found by chance near the city of Manta. It demonstrates the ostentation of the shamans’ and priest-chiefs’ political and religious power within a complex social structure. Oriented towards the sea, rows of the figures called Bahia giants were found. Body painting was common in pre-Hispanic cultures, not only for decorative reasons, but also for symbolic ones and even to protect the skin from insects or parasite attacks. In this case, there is a yellow paint on part of the face, black on the other half of the face and body, and red on the hands and legs. The headdress of these figures was possibly built in a turban-shape, so that the edges of the long fabrics used would stand out as decorative finishing. The figure is using a bowl for limestone (llipta) which is used with a lime dipper for the consumption of coca leaves.