The Spondylus and the Traditional Artisanal Fishing Enterprise since 1526 in the Coastal Zone of Santa Elena

Abstract

The present research identifies entrepreneurial activities in artisanal fishing since the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1526 that already exchanged the Spondylus, a mollusk genus, a bivalve characterized by the strong shell, its external spines and its coloration ranging from white to deep purple. Community life seems to be governed by ceremonies and the ritual emblem of the Spondylus shell in the historical sites of Real Alto, Cerro Narrio, Salango, Santa Elena and Isla de La Plata, up to the present time in the localities of San Pedro, San Pablo, La Libertad, Santa Rosa, Anconcito and Chanduy, whose main activity is artisanal fishing, which takes care of the marine and terrestrial environment. A qualitative study methodology with a descriptive scope was used. Surveys to fishermen and artisans allowed to know traditional arts and traditions that remain in force in the oral tradition but are not yet perpetuated with writing. Among the main results, it was found that their important economic use is not visualized due to insufficient knowledge in implementing sustainable businesses, which limits the creation of commercial development projects.