Ecuador Uses Andean Motifs to Teach Cultural Geography

In Quito, educators use tattoo design to teach Andean geography and indigenous iconography—mountain silhouettes, condors, and textile patterns tied to specific communities. Students sketch motifs after field trips to highland villages.
Anthropologists help ensure symbols are used respectfully, emphasizing consent and collaboration. The project strengthens ties between urban students and rural heritage, using tattoos as portable maps of cultural knowledge.