Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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The research is an ethnographic fieldwork in combination with a library research. The information that is used comes from archaeological, historical and ethnographical sources. The ethnographical...Show moreThe research is an ethnographic fieldwork in combination with a library research. The information that is used comes from archaeological, historical and ethnographical sources. The ethnographical research was performed in the province of Jujuy in Argentina. The native people of Jujuy are Collas. They have lost many characteristics of their culture, but they preserve some cultural traits, like agriculture, the gathering and production of salt, the making of traditional music instruments, weaving techniques, the cult to the Pacha Mama and many beliefs and rituals that are combined with the catholic religion. Textiles form a vital part of the Andean society. They have a social and cultural meaning and are used as a form of visual language that is understood by both the weaver and its community. All the aspects giving “life” to textiles, such as their symbols, motives, weaving techniques, the weaver, etc., reflect religious concepts and the social and cultural meaning that they have. Furthermore, textiles are fixed in the cultural memory and identity of the native communities of Jujuy. The cultural identity of theses cultures are materialized in their textiles. This Master thesis focuses on the native communities in the province of Jujuy, Argentina and how their inhabitants experience, live, practice and create their cultural identity through the practice of Andean weaving. The thesis tries to interpret the recuperation of this old Andean weaving practice as a constructor and invigorator of the cultural identity of these native communities.Show less
