In brief
For 60 years, Baltazar Ushca trekked the rugged terrain of Mount Chimborazo to preserve a dying trade as an ice merchant. Despite the advent of electricity, he remained dedicated to his craft, symbolizing a rich cultural heritage tied to the Andes' icy heights.
In a touching homage to tradition, Baltazar Ushca, an iconic figure in Ecuador's Andean community, has died at the age of 80. For six decades, he embarked on a journey up the slopes of Mount Chimborazo—Ecuador's highest peak—twice weekly, using a pickax to extract ice from a glacier. His efforts contributed to a unique trade, as he would carefully wrap the harvested ice blocks in hay and transport them on donkeys, selling this precious commodity to villagers lacking modern refrigeration options.The ice was not merely a product; it was part of a family legacy. Coming from a lineage of ice merchants, his father Juan and siblings followed this vocation before it largely faded as technology advanced. Nevertheless, Ushca continued this Paul Bunyan-esque tradition, ultimately becoming a symbol of the last vestiges of a profession nearly erased by modern conveniences.Ushca, standing at 4-foot-11, was revered within his community not just as a laborer but as a craftsman. He often remarked that the ice from Chimborazo held unparalleled qualities. “The natural ice from Chimborazo is the best ice," he expressed in the documentary titled “El Último Hielero,” or “The Last Ice Merchant,” which showcased his dedication to his work.Although he faced skepticism from family members questioning the worth of his toil, Ushca maintained that he would keep going as long as he was able. Following an injury five years prior, he reluctantly reduced his frequency of ice extraction, finally signaling the close of an era.His departure marks a poignant point in history, representing not only a loss of a skilled trade but also an essential cultural link to the landscape of Ecuador, which is threatened by climate change. As the world continues to globalize and modernize, Ushca's story serves as a potent reminder of the value inherent in preserving traditional practices.
