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In La Tolita (Pampa de Oro) the archaeological remains of the La Tolita culture were found, which inhabited these areas between 500 BC. and 500 A.D. Thanks to the findings of this culture, it has been possible to determine their deep knowledge in working with ceramics and metals such as gold and platinum.

In Ecuador, the word ´´tola´´ means a small elevation created by man and used for burials. Throughout the country, several tolas have been found, and when they were excavated for study, ceremonial grave goods have been found, which commonly consist of pieces of ceramics and jewelry, and some objects that would "accompany" the deceased. in his other life



It is located two and a half hours away from the town of La Tola. The most important site is located on the island of La Tolita at the mouth of the Santiago River.





Description

In the area you can see several ´´tolas´´ or artificial mounds that served, in some cases, to secure the homes from the onslaught of the sea and in others, to bury their dead, generally together with household utensils and other artifacts used. for the deceased.



The cultural productions of this human group that have been found are of extreme beauty and complexity; An example of this is the funerary mask in the shape of the sun that symbolizes the Central Bank of Ecuador, the same one that, together with a large part of the recovered remains of this culture, are currently in the Museum of the Central Bank, in Quito.

In this area, other places of archaeological interest are the Tolita de los Ruanos and the Tolita de los Castillos; They can all be reached by river starting from San Lorenzo.

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