Abstract

LUCAIOLI, Carina  and  NESIS, Florencia. Appropriation, Distribution and Exchange: Cattle in the Abipones and Mocoví Reductions 1743-1767). Andes [online]. 2007, n.18, pp.129-152. ISSN 1668-8090.

In the present article we have studied the Jesuitical missions founded for the Abipones and Mocoví groups during the XVIIIth century in southern Chaco. Our objective was to analyse the multiple relations established with the Hispanic and Criollo society, starting from the different uses of cattle and ways of cattle appropriation among these groups. The reductions worked as complex spaces that condensed various interests and combined the interaction of several social actors. In the same way,  they were places that allowed reduced groups to deploy a series of economical and political strategies to face up to colonial subjection. The indigenous activities related to cattle handling emerge as an example of the kind of answers given to that end. Starting from the reading and analysis of documental sources, we have identified and described three types of livestock: the cattle from reductions, the animals owned by prestigious individuals, and the herds destined to exchange. We have intended to analyse the ways of appropriation, distribution and exchange; the actors and interests that took part in it; and the relative value of cattle in the different specific contexts.

Keywords : Chaco Austral; Colon; Mission; Cattle; Exchange.

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