In indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian highlands, a pampa mesa or pamba mesa is a communal meal of food laid directly on a cloth spread on the ground. [2] [3] The meal is seen as an act of social solidarity; it also has mythological connotations.
The name "pampa mesa" comes from the Kichwa pampa, meaning "ground" [4] or "plain", [5] and Spanish mesa, meaning "table". [6]
The origins of the pampa mesa tradition are unknown. [7] Pampa mesas often are used at festivals, at family celebrations, or after mingas (gatherings for communal work). [2] [7] [8]
For a pampa mesa, a long, typically white cloth is spread on the ground. [7] [9] Traditionally, participants in a pampa mesa bring the food they are able to share, and each spreads the food he or she brought along the cloth for all to eat. [2] [7] [9] [10] Once the food is spread along the cloth, participants sit along the cloth and use their hands to eat, rather than using utensils and dishes. [2] [7] [8] Before eating, a community leader may give thanks for the food, and a portion of the food may be buried as an offering to the earth mother. [8]
The food on a pampa mesa tends to be largely staple items such as mote, potatoes, quinoa, oca, carrots, and fava beans. [2] [7] [10] [11] Sometimes, cuy (guinea pig) and other meats are present. [7] Flowers and fruits may be used to decorate the pampa mesa. [8] The spicy condiment ají frequently is served alongside the pampa mesa. [12] The fermented beverage chicha de jora sometimes accompanies a pampa mesa. [8]
Pampa mesas are a form of social solidarity: all contribute as they are able, and partake as they wish. [2] [8] [10] [11] Some believe that sitting on the earth and eating from a pampa mesa is a form of connection with Pachamama (earth mother), a goddess in Inca mythology who continues to be an object of reverence in Ecuador. [2] [8] [12] A pampa mesa also may be seen as an act of thanksgiving for the harvest. [12]
A similar tradition in Peru and Bolivia is called apthapi. [13]
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