Launch of the book on heritage of the parish of Susudel

The launch of the book “Participatory Research: Intangible Heritage of the Parish of Susudel” took place on September 20 in the Honor Hall of the University of Azuay.

The book was a collaborative investigation directed by the anthropologist Gabriela Eljuri, who - together with co-authors Mario Bracero, Diana Moscoso and Diego Arteaga - managed to capture on paper an investigation that goes beyond academics.

After a warm welcome from the Rector, Professor and researcher Andrés Abad commented that the book was a historical study that was carried out in the parish of Susudel, in the Oña canton, during the 2011-2015 years, and that it was based on the ethnographic and ethnobotanical record of the area.

He also stressed that the most valuable research was the collection of memories of the inhabitants of the place.

"What made me decide to do the research there, was the beauty of its landscapes and the warmth of its people, from that moment a part of me stayed there," Gabriela Eljuri explained.

For the anthropologist, the main objective of the book is to contribute to the safeguarding of the intangible heritage through research, in addition to promoting social participation.

This research was attended by four authors, a local researcher and 136 inhabitants of the area.

All collected traditions, oral expressions, festive events, artisanal techniques, medicinal plants, maps, pilgrimage routes and festive and agricultural calendars.

Once the book was released, the Rector of the University of Azuay, Francisco Salgado, made the official delivery of it to the president of the parish board of Susudel, thanking him for allowing and collaborating with the investigation, which returns to the parish his own knowledge, this time printed on paper.