Who Are We - Acerca de Mindalae
I am Catalina Sosa, Director of the Sinchi Sacha Foundation. We are a non-profit Ecuadorian NGO, founded in 1991, over 32 years ago.
The valuable experience we gained in the Amazon during the early stages of our activities inspired us to name our organization Sinchi Sacha, which means “Powerful Jungle” in kichwa .
In 2007, we launched the Museo Etnohistórico de Artesanías del Ecuador Mindalae with the support of the Belgian Embassy’s Cooperation Agency (CTB), and expanded it in 2012 with the involvement of the European Union.
Living Cultures
At Mindalae, the displayed pieces come to life as a testament to a legacy that evolves over time, adapting while preserving its essence. Each handcrafted creation tells a story, weaving together ancient techniques with new interpretations, and becoming a bridge that connects the past with the present.
Mindalae
The name Mindalae honors the ancient pre-Columbian traders who played a vital role in the cultural and economic exchange of Ecuador. These travelers transported local products, jewelry, textiles, and more, connecting communities from various regions of the country.
Solar Building
The architecture of the Mindalae Museum is inspired by the cosmogony of the ancestral peoples of the Middle of the World. Its spiral design reflects the concept of time and space in eternal motion. The sun from the Middle of the World penetrates through each of the museum’s five floors via a large eye of light.
Artesanías del Ecuador
At Mindalae, the oral tradition and ancestral crafts of Ecuador’s indigenous artisans are preserved. In this cultural context, art and handicrafts are understood as the mastery of perfectly replicating what has been passed down from generation to generation, in contrast to Western culture, where the value of innovation and novelty predominates.
Mindalae: an iconic place in Quito
A landmark in Quito inspired by the legacy of the Mindalaes — Indigenous traders who connected communities through the exchange of goods and knowledge — this unique space invites you to explore the cultural and artistic richness that shapes the country’s identity.
Housed in a one-of-a-kind solar-powered building, Mindalae seamlessly blends history, art, and sustainability, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to uncover the roots of Ecuador’s artisanal market.
