Education, Identity, and Sustainability: The Chakana as a Learning Tool in the Saraguro Community
摘要
The Chakana, a fundamental symbol of the Andean worldview, represents a philosophical and epistemological structure that has guided the lives of Indigenous peoples in the Andes for centuries. In the Saraguro community, this symbol transcends its visual value to become a key tool in intercultural education and environmental sustainability. This study examines the role of the Chakana in the intergenerational transmission of ancestral knowledge, analyzing its integration into the educational system and its impact on the preservation of Saraguro intangible heritage. Through an anthropological and philosophical approach, the research explores how the Chakana strengthens cultural identity, fosters sustainable ecological practices, and offers an educational model that resists the dynamics of globalization and cultural homogenization. By observing rituals, analyzing pedagogical practices, and reviewing community strategies, this study demonstrates that the Chakana is not only an emblem of the Andean worldview but also a pedagogical resource for addressing contemporary challenges in education and the environment.