ECUADORIAN SHAMAN EXPLAINS INCENSE RITE AS PRESIDENT GIVES ADDRESS ON TV BEHIND, 2000-01-15 (photo)

An Ecuadorian Shaman shows a gold plate to explain the incense burning ritual as President Jamil Mahuad's State of the Nation address is broadcast live on the television behind him at the headquarters of the indigenous parliament in Quito January 15. Mahuad is under scrutiny over his proposal to adopt the U.S. dollar to help the nation's galloping inflation that had beset the crisis-ridden economy. The drastic measure has been met with a mixed response but Mahuad has succeeded in splintering his opposition and the move has been cautiously welcomed internationaly. Mahuad still faces a challenge from indigenous groups who are planning to paralyze the country over the next few days. AW