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Ecuador Mourns the Loss of Legendary Ice Harvester Baltazar Ushca

Ecuador is grieving the loss of Baltazar Ushca, the last mountain ice harvester in the country, who passed away at the age of 80. Ushca dedicated over 50 years of his life to climbing Mount Chimborazo, the highest summit in Ecuador, to extract ice from its peak.

Known as a national and international icon, Ushca’s death has left a void in the hearts of many. The municipality of Guano, where he hailed from, paid tribute to him on social media, referring to him as “Mashi, Taita Baltazar Ushca,” using the Quechua term for companion and father.

Ushca’s tragic fall while herding cattle at home led to his untimely demise. Despite the dangers of his profession, he continued to harvest ice twice a week, carrying blocks weighing up to 20 kilograms down the mountain to sell in the city of Riobamba.

The advent of refrigeration technology marked the decline of the ice harvesting industry, but Ushca remained steadfast in his trade, becoming the subject of documentaries and receiving accolades for his dedication. He even returned to school at the age of 73 to complete his primary education and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017.

In his later years, Ushca worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of Ecuador. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage praised his legacy, stating that “his work is and will remain a reference for the knowledge of our people.”

Baltazar Ushca’s passing marks the end of an era for Ecuador, but his memory will live on as a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the preservation of tradition.

Who was Baltazar Ushca?

Baltazar Ushca was Ecuador’s last mountain ice harvester, who dedicated over half a century of his life to climbing the country’s highest summit to extract ice. He passed away at the age of 80 in his hometown of Guano.

What made Ushca a legend in Ecuador?

Ushca was considered a legend in Ecuador and beyond because he was the last practitioner of the age-old profession of ice harvester on Mount Chimborazo, a dormant volcano standing at 6,310 meters high.

How did Ushca’s community react to his passing?

The municipality of Guano in central Ecuador expressed deep sorrow over Ushca’s death, referring to him as “Mashi, Taita Baltazar Ushca, the last iceman of the majestic Chimborazo, a national and international icon.” The term “Taita” in the Quechua language means companion and father.

What were the circumstances of Ushca’s death?

Ushca tragically passed away after a bad fall while herding cattle at home. A bull overpowered him and threw him to the ground, causing him serious injuries that ultimately led to his death.

How did Ushca learn the trade of ice harvesting?

Ushca learned the trade from his father when he was just 15 years old and continued in the profession for the rest of his life without ever looking back.

What was Ushca’s routine as an ice harvester?

Twice a week, Ushca would climb to the 5,200-meter mark on Chimborazo to extract large blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms using a pick and shovel. He would then wrap the ice in hay and sell it at a market in the city of Riobamba.

How did modern technology impact Ushca’s profession?

The advent of refrigerators signaled the decline of ice harvesting as a profession, but Ushca continued to practice his trade despite the changing times, becoming the last of his kind.

What other achievements did Ushca accomplish in his life?

At the age of 73, Ushca returned to school to complete his primary education, and in 2017, he received an honorary doctorate. Towards the end of his life, he worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum.

What is Ushca’s legacy According to the National Institute of Cultural Heritage?

The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) emphasized that Ushca’s work will remain a reference point for the knowledge and history of the Ecuadorian people, acknowledging his significant contribution to the cultural heritage of the country.

Throughout his life, Baltazar Ushca embodied resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to his heritage and the land he called home. His legacy as Ecuador’s last ice harvester will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sources:
– AFP