Panzaleo o Cosanga – Píllaro
(400 a.C. – 1532 d.C.)

Under this classificatory hame archaeologists have grouped not exactly a culture, but a minor ceramic component of wide distribution, as a rule associated with materials of different ceramic traditions. Vessels of these characteristics appear throughout the Northern and Central Highlands of Ecuador, as well as in the Amazonian area of Quijos. Their distribution suggests a close relation between both areas, the manufacture site being the eastern slopes of the so-called Royal Cordillera.

As far as technology is concerned, the walls are thin and the surface finish has been very carefully done, not to mention the metallic sound. The vessels are of different shapes. The big spheric pots are the most interesting. Many of the latter were ornamented with human faces often represented as “chewing coca” (chagchando coca), and ocasionally covered with masks. Others show unique motives such as tzantzas or “shrunken heads”.

Apparently these potters were a group of specialists in the exchange of products and services, specially those staples from the Amazon valley (e.g. hallucinogenic plants) and shamanic knowledge.