Scarlet Macaw

The Cañari, an ancient people of the southern Andes of Ecuador, tell that long, long ago there was a great flood. Only two brothers survived, by climbing a very high mountain called Huacayñán: the more the water rose, the more the mountain grew, so the flood never reached them.

When the waters went down, the brothers built a little house and were very hungry. But one day, coming home, they found food ready and chicha to drink, without knowing who had brought it! This happened for about ten days. The elder brother hid to solve the mystery and saw two macaws arrive with the faces of women, dressed like Cañari, their hair tied across their foreheads.

Days later, the younger brother persuaded the younger macaw to stay, and together they started a family: they had six sons and daughters. The macaw brought seeds to plant, and all the Cañari descend from those children. That is why they honour Huacayñán mountain and the macaws.