¿DES-gol-ONIZACIÓN? Fútbol y política en los movimientos indígenas de Bolivia

Abstract

This article examines Bolivian “indigenous football”, presenting evidence and hypotheses concerning its role within sport and the processes of coloniality and decolonisation. Based on the “cultural control” theory and using secondary sources, it investigates how, during the course of approximately one century, football has become established as an “appropriated culture” in Aymara and Cocalero communities and indigenous movements in Bolivia. It also demonstrates how, as part of this process, “indigenous football” has served many purposes: reinforcement of local identities, expression of a sense of belonging to a nation, trade union organization, training for leaders and indigenous networks, resistance to the onslaughts of dictatorships, opposition to neoliberal policies, promotion of policies for national integration, and essential support for the Indian opposition campaign.

Keywords

• Bolivia
• football
• indigenous movements
• political opposition
• sports policy
• trade unionism