Abstract

The study of the uses of volcanic products and the analysis of community-volcano mutualism relationships is important because, for generations, volcanic products such as sulphur, lava and pyroclasts have been a source of materials used in the areas of health, construction and decoration. The extraction and utilization of these resources has boosted the economy, mainly in the private sector in the State of Nariño (Colombia). Likewise, volcanoes have been seen as symbols; far from being considered threats, they have been venerated as protectors and benefactors to whom respect is owed. We report 267 observations of different forms of volcanic representations, collected during field trips in the period 2017-2020, of which audiovisual evidence was preserved. These representations are associated with different contexts, among which the most relevant are: art, culture and music, areas that together include 53.94% of the representations. These representations reflect the sense of belonging of the people of Nariño and highlight the volcano-individual relationship as a mutuality that includes affection and respect.

Keywords: volcanic centers; Galeras volcano; artistic representations; myths; perception of threat