Representaciones y huellas del pasado: la marcación y desmarcación de lo "indio" en la localidad santiagueña de Manogasta

Abstract

This work aspires to expose reflfl ections regarding representations about indian past produced in Manogasta’s locality, in Santiago del Estero; and on the other hand, to consider certain material indicators that refer to the past subsistence into the present. These reflfl ections are based on preliminary fieldwork results obtained in a previous research that aims to explore in depth, features and ways in social representing of the past in Manogasta’s settlers, the link built between the present, past and forgetfulness uses.

Key aspects contemplated for this analysis, allowed us to notice how representations about a certain past and present are created, showed in archeological tracks and in a local ceremony, both constituent elements of an identity fragment. “Indian” appears associated and disguised in religious topics and evangelization through the ritual celebration of the “Indian run,” as well as through stories about Santa Barbara’s virgin and its chapel, in association with rain-producing powers and Salamanca-related rituals. The established association releases “indians” of their savagery and exhibits evangelization as a civilization act.