Interpellating peasant identities:

memories and uses of the indigenous past in territorial conflicts in the department of Figueroa, Santiago del Estero

Abstract

This article deals with the ways of interpellation and revision of rural identities and the uses of the past in contexts of territorial conflicts. The aim is to present reflections on the work carried out with two communities in the department of Figueroa in the province of Santiago del Estero. On the one hand, the land issue in the Chaco area of Santiago del Estero is analyzed from a historical perspective that allows understanding the land tenure situation as well as the population dynamics. On the other hand, we account for processes of revision of peasant identity in situations of violence where the indigenous past, the communal links and the uses of the territory become visible and necessary for territorial defense. Through a participatory methodology with the peasant community of Pozo del Castaño and the indigenous community of "Yaku Muchuna", we demonstrate -showing differences and similarities- how identities and the revision of the past are emergent in situations of conflict, where the indigenous aspect gives historical depth to the claims and reveals long term suffering and violence.

ARK CAICYT: https://id.caicyt.gov.ar/ark:/s16688090/y9xrktu8f