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Ecuador’s Last Ice Harvester, Baltazar Ushca, Passes Away at 80

Baltazar Ushca, Ecuador’s last mountain ice harvester, passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Ushca spent over half a century climbing Mount Chimborazo, the country’s highest summit, to extract ice at its peak. His death was a tragic loss for his hometown of Guano, where he was known as a national and international icon.

Ushca was the last practitioner of the ancient profession of ice harvesting on the 6,310-meter-high dormant volcano. He inherited the trade from his father at the age of 15 and continued to climb to the 5,200-meter mark on Chimborazo twice a week to extract massive blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms. Despite the arrival of refrigerators, which signaled the decline of ice harvesting, Ushca remained dedicated to his craft, inspiring documentaries and receiving accolades for his commitment.

In his later years, Ushca returned to school to complete his primary education and received an honorary doctorate in 2017. He also worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, showcasing his rich heritage and the importance of his work to the cultural heritage of Ecuador. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) praised Ushca’s contributions, stating that his work will continue to serve as a reference for the knowledge of the Ecuadorian people.

The passing of Baltazar Ushca marks the end of an era for ice harvesting in Ecuador, but his memory will live on as a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for preserving a tradition that defined his life.

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 at the top. He was a legend in Ecuador and beyond, known as the last practitioner of the age-old profession of ice harvester on Mount Chimborazo, a dormant volcano 6,310 meters high.

How did Baltazar Ushca pass away?

Sadly, Baltazar Ushca passed away at the age of 80 after suffering a bad fall while herding cattle at his home. The municipality of Guano, his hometown, reported that a bull overpowered him, causing him to fall and sustain serious injuries which led to his death.

What was Baltazar Ushca known for?

Baltazar Ushca inherited his trade from his father at the age of 15 and never looked back. 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 at a market in the city of Riobamba.

How did Baltazar Ushca’s profession change over time?

The arrival of refrigerators marked the decline of the ice harvesting profession, but Ushca continued to ply his trade, inspiring several documentaries about his life and work. At the age of 73, he even returned to the classroom to complete his primary education and received an honorary doctorate in 2017.

What was Baltazar Ushca’s legacy?

At the end of his life, Baltazar Ushca worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, showcasing his unique profession and preserving his legacy. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) described his work as a reference for the knowledge of the people, highlighting his significance in Ecuadorian culture and history.

Throughout his life, Baltazar Ushca remained dedicated to his craft, embodying resilience and a strong work ethic that made him a beloved figure in Ecuador and beyond. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditions and honoring the legacy of those who came before us.

Sources: News Shield