The Mural
A collective of artists, artisans, and writers from Saraguro engage in deep dialogue with community members and leaders to transform a wall into a 13-meter-long mural inscribed with memories, marking the space where the community historically congregates to defend their territory from injustices.
Throughout the creation of the mural, numerous conversations serve as opportunities to mark the wall as a space of resistance.
Now situated along a main thoroughfare where thousands of people pass by daily, the mural includes the powerful statement “Fierro Urku se defiende,” signaling that the Saraguro community remains vigilant and opposed to extractive capitalism into their territory.
“Our ancestors used to say that when you pass through a crossroads, one needs to stop, feel and observe and, as an act of gratitude, leave a pebble because that’s where the energies of the cosmos converge.
In this San Vicente site we have erected the mural because the communities of Chukidel, Gunudel, Ilinchu and La Concha converge making a historic site of resistance of the Saraguro people.
Men and women amplify our millenary struggle and resistance for our territories which today is for the Sacred Fierro Urku. Fierro Urky is Life, Water, Health and Food! Fierro Urku no se toca!”
Mama Sisa Pacari Bacacela
