Chono

The Chono of the Ecuadorian lowlands, known to archaeology as the Milagro-Quevedo culture, held the Guayas basin from about 400, navigable waterways formed by the Daule and Babahoyo.

Probably Amazonian in origin and kin to the Omagua, they farmed the floodplain with raised camellones and tola mounds, and their position between coast and Andes made them the region's great middlemen: canoes carried salt, cotton, cacao, Esmeraldas gold and copper axe-money between coast and highland, while potters stamped snake and frog motifs onto ceremonial vessels called cocinas de brujo, witches' kitchens.

The Incas never entered in force, receiving only occasional tribute. After 1534 the chief Guayaquile led fierce resistance and destroyed the first Spanish settlements on the gulf named after him; once subdued, the Chono country was absorbed into the Real Audiencia of Quito, chiefs reduced to tribute collectors under the encomienda.