Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Ecuador recently mourned the loss of Baltazar Ushca, the last ice harvester of its kind in the country, who passed away at the age of 80. Ushca was a legendary figure in Ecuador and beyond, known for his unique profession of extracting ice from the summit of Mount Chimborazo, a towering volcano reaching 6,310 meters high.
The municipality of Guano, Ushca’s hometown, took to social media to announce his passing and pay tribute to the iconic figure. In the Quechua language, Ushca was affectionately referred to as “Taita,” meaning companion and father, highlighting the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his life.
Having inherited the trade from his father at a young age, Ushca spent over half a century climbing up Chimborazo twice a week to extract large blocks of ice, weighing up to 20 kilograms each. Despite the advent of refrigeration technology rendering his profession obsolete, Ushca continued his work, becoming the subject of documentaries and receiving accolades for his dedication.
In his later years, Ushca returned to school to complete his primary education and even received an honorary doctorate in 2017. He eventually transitioned into a role as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and educate others.
The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) acknowledged Ushca’s contributions, emphasizing the significance of his work in preserving the cultural heritage of Ecuador. Ushca’s passing marks the end of an era for the age-old tradition of ice harvesting on Mount Chimborazo, but his memory lives on as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
Ecuador’s last mountain iceman dies at 80 | National
Who was Baltazar Ushca?
Ecuador’s last mountain ice harvester, Baltazar Ushca, who spent over half a century climbing the country’s highest summit to extract ice at the top, died Friday at the age of 80, authorities in his hometown of Guano said.
What was his profession?
Ushca was a legend in the Andean country and beyond, as the last practitioner of the age-old profession of ice harvester on Mount Chimborazo, a dormant volcano 6,310 metres high.
How did the municipality of Guano react to his death?
“We deeply regret to announce the death of our dear Mashi, Taita Baltazar Ushca, the last iceman of the majestic Chimborazo, a national and international icon,” the municipality of Guano in central Ecuador wrote on social media.
How did Ushca die?
Ushca died after suffering a bad fall while herding cattle at home on Thursday. The municipality said a bull overpowered him and threw him to the ground, causing him serious injury.
How did Ushca start his career as an ice harvester?
Ushca inherited his trade from his father when he was 15 years old and never looked back.
What was his process of extracting ice?
Twice a week he climbed to the 5,200-meter mark on Chimborazo to extract huge blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms with a pick and shovel. He then wrapped the ice in hay and sold it on a market in the city of Riobamba.
Why did Ushca continue his trade despite the arrival of refrigerators?
The arrival of refrigerators sounded the death knell for icemen, but Ushca kept plying his trade, inspiring several documentaries.
What did Ushca do in his later years?
At 73 years old, he returned to the classroom to complete his primary education and in 2017 received an honorary doctorate. At the end of his life, he worked as a tourism promoter at Guano museum.
How is Ushca’s legacy being remembered?
“His work is and will remain a reference for the knowledge of our people,” the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) wrote on the social network X.
Baltazar Ushca, known as the last mountain ice harvester in Ecuador, passed away at the age of 80 after a fall while herding cattle at his home. He was a beloved figure in his hometown of Guano and beyond, as the last practitioner of the ancient trade of extracting ice from the summit of Mount Chimborazo, a prominent volcano in the region. The municipality of Guano expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Ushca, referring to him as “Mashi, Taita Baltazar Ushca,” highlighting his significance as a companion and father in the Quechua language.
Ushca’s legacy as an iceman was inherited from his father when he was just 15 years old, and he dedicated over half a century to climbing Chimborazo twice a week to extract large blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms. Despite the decline of the ice harvesting profession due to the advent of refrigeration, Ushca continued his trade, becoming an inspiration for several documentaries that showcased his resilience and dedication to his craft.
In his later years, Ushca returned to the classroom at the age of 73 to complete his primary education, receiving an honorary doctorate in 2017 for his contributions to preserving the cultural heritage of his people. He also worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, sharing his knowledge and experiences with visitors to the region.
The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) recognized Ushca’s lifelong work as a valuable reference for understanding the traditions and practices of the local community. His commitment to preserving the legacy of ice harvesting on Chimborazo has left a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of Ecuador and serves as a testament to his dedication to his craft.
Ushca’s passing marks the end of an era for the tradition of mountain ice harvesting in Ecuador, but his legacy as the last iceman of Chimborazo will continue to inspire future generations to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient practice. Through his hard work, resilience, and passion for his craft, Baltazar Ushca has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Ecuador.
Sources:
– BBC News
– The Guardian
– Al Jazeera