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

Ecuador has lost a true legend with the passing of Baltazar Ushca, the last mountain ice harvester in the country. Ushca, who spent over 50 years climbing Mount Chimborazo to extract ice at its summit, died at the age of 80 after a tragic fall while herding cattle at home in Guano.

Known as “Taita” Baltazar Ushca, he was not just a national icon but also an international symbol of resilience and tradition. He inherited the ancient profession of ice harvesting from his father at the young age of 15 and continued the practice despite the rise of refrigeration technology.

Twice a week, Ushca would ascend to an altitude of 5,200 meters on Chimborazo, braving harsh conditions to extract blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms using only a pick and shovel. He would then wrap the ice in hay and sell it in the city of Riobamba, showcasing his dedication to preserving his cultural heritage.

In his later years, Ushca returned to school at the age of 73 to complete his primary education and even received an honorary doctorate in 2017. His commitment to his craft and his determination to adapt to changing times serve as an inspiration to many.

Despite the decline of his profession, Ushca remained a beloved figure in his community, working as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum. His legacy lives on through the stories he shared and the impact he had on preserving Ecuador’s cultural heritage.

The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) paid tribute to Ushca, stating that “his work is and will remain a reference for the knowledge of our people.” The passing of Baltazar Ushca marks the end of an era, but his memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

Who was Baltazar Ushca and what was his profession?

Baltazar Ushca was the last mountain ice harvester in Ecuador, who spent over 50 years climbing Mount Chimborazo to extract ice. He was a legend in the Andean country and beyond, known as the last practitioner of this age-old profession on the 6,310-meter-high dormant volcano.

What was the cause of Ushca’s death?

Ushca tragically 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 and threw him to the ground, causing serious injuries that eventually led to his death.

How did Ushca start his career as an ice harvester?

Ushca inherited his trade from his father when he was just 15 years old and continued the tradition without looking back. Twice a week, he would climb to the 5,200-meter mark on Chimborazo to extract huge blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms using a pick and shovel.

What impact did modern technology have on Ushca’s profession?

The arrival of refrigerators marked the decline of the ice harvesting profession, but Ushca continued to ply his trade despite the changing times. His dedication and resilience inspired several documentaries, showcasing his unique way of life and work.

What were some of Ushca’s achievements later in life?

At the age of 73, Ushca went back to school to complete his primary education, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. In 2017, he received an honorary doctorate for his contributions to preserving the cultural heritage of Ecuador. Towards the end of his life, he worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum.

As the last iceman of Chimborazo, Baltazar Ushca’s legacy will continue to live on as a symbol of Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to adapt to changing times make him a true icon in the history of the country.

Sources:
AFP
BBC
The Guardian