Dynamizing the Notion of Nomadism. Theoretical and Ethnographic Notes on an Unrecognized Territorial Model

https://doi.org/10.25058/20112742.n37.07

Leticia Katzer
Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-Conicet, Argentina
lkatzer@mendoza-conicet.gob.ar

Abstract:

This article aims to present a set of reflections upon nomadism as epistemology and some kind of cultural identity drawing from a two-way journal. On the one hand, a theoretical journey that encompasses readings aiming at de-essentializing and denaturalizing deep rooted, universalized, and naturalized assumptions on the extent of becoming a nomad. On the other hand, a rather empirical journey, based on local historic, archaeological, and ethnographic records that help us to characterize what we claim to be signs of nomadic life styles in Northeastern Mendoza (Argentina), and to disclose native responses to state sedentarization policies outlined in several historical milestones in that region.

Keywords: epistemology, ethnography, nomadism, sedentarization.