Wrougt leather, economy and society in the Southern cone.

Skins, flasks, and bags (Chile and Cuyo, 17th-19th centuries)

Abstract

The article examines the role of leather containers (mainly wineskins, flasks and bags) in the economic and social life of Chile and Cuyo, from the middle of the 17th century to the middle of the 19th century. It considers that leather containers played an important role both in production and in transport, commerce and daily life. They were used in the mining and wine production. Bulk primary products, manufactured products and typical heritage products were used to package and transport long distances. They were also used in retail, and were shown in fairs, markets and stores. In addition, they were used as traveler's luggage on long journeys and to transport and store valuables. In this way, wrought leather permits to discover a valuable ancestral heritage.