"Culture and Customs of Ecuador celebrates the extraordinary cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity that has made this small country one of Latin Americas most unique. Through this overview of its history, religious institutions, literature, social customs, cinema, media, and visual and performing arts, Ecuador emerges as a vibrant microcosm of Latin America. Students and other readers will learn how Ecuadorian society blends pre-Columbian, colonial, modern, and postmodern cultural forces. The underlying themes of Ecuador's continuing struggles with multiculturalism and national identity are presented here with unprecedented clarity."--BOOK JACKET.