Rumiñawi, also known as Rumiñahui, was an Inca general born in the late 15th century in Pillaro, Ecuador. His birth name was Ati II Pillahuaso. The name Rumiñawi, meaning "stone eye" or "stone face" in Kichwa, was given to him later in life after he became a respected warrior. Inca historians believe he was the half-brother of Emperor Atahualpa.
Rumiñawi is known for his role in the Inca Civil War and his fierce resistance against the Spanish conquistadors in the northern part of the Inca Empire (modern-day Ecuador) following Atahualpa's execution in 1533. He is credited with leading efforts to hide the city's treasure and burning Quito to prevent it from falling into Spanish hands. Despite being captured and tortured by the Spanish, Rumiñawi never revealed the location of the hidden treasure and was eventually executed on June 25, 1535. Today, Rumiñawi is remembered as an Indigenous hero and a symbol of courage and defiance against the Spanish conquest. December 1st is celebrated in Ecuador as a day of remembrance in his honor.
In contemporary Ecuador, "Rumiñahui" also refers to a canton in the Pichincha Province, with Sangolquí as its seat, located southeast of Quito. The Rumiñahui canton was named a "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town) by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism in 2020. In addition, Asociación Rumiñahui is a non-profit organization that defends the rights of migrants.
