In the first part of this work Marcos analyzes, based on the early chronicles, the history of the discovery of the New World, in particular the northern Andean area. The second part contains a biogeographical description of the region, starting before the peopling of the continent, and including the human groups that later settled in what is now Ecuador. In the final part, the author discusses the importance of Spondylus princeps and Strombus peruvianus in the ritual life of Valdivia society and later in the central Andean area, and the related issue of long distance exchange, stemming from this ritual use of the shells. In Spanish.

Published by Editorial Abya-Yala (Quito), 2005. 206 pp. ISBN: 9978-22-558-7.

$21.00 (shipping included). Order code AY010.