Ecuador cacao exhibition opens in Patna

The Ambassador of Ecuador to India, Fernando Bucheli, inaugurated the first-ever exhibition in India dedicated to the origin of Ecuadorian cacao, hosted at the Bihar Museum in the city of Patna, widely regarded as the finest museum in the country. The exhibition will remain open for 45 days and is expected to be visited by thousands of people.

The exhibition is organised into four sections:         

1. Ecuador and its biodiversity, featuring a visual presentation of its four natural regions — the Galápagos Islands, the Pacific Coast, the Andes and the Amazon.

2. The ancestral history of cacao, highlighting groundbreaking research conducted in Ecuador’s Amazon region. Excavations at the archaeological site Santa Ana – La Florida, led by Ecuadorian archaeologist Dr Valdez — who travelled from Ecuador for the inauguration — confirm that the Ecuadorian Amazon is the birthplace of cacao. Scientific studies have shown that cacao was first domesticated in this region over 5,000 years ago, beginning a remarkable journey that ultimately made Ecuador one of the world’s leading producers of premium cacao.

3. Traditional handicrafts, showcasing artisanal creations from Ecuador’s diverse natural regions, reflecting the cultural richness of the country.

4. Contemporary art, featuring paintings by Ecuadorian artist Henry Rodas — also present at the event — inspired by Ecuador’s landscapes, identity and the deep cultural symbolism of cacao. Ambassador Bucheli emphasised that this exhibition serves as a cultural bridge between Ecuador and India and a meaningful opportunity to continue working together on future initiatives that bring both nations closer.