De madre a hija: juegos de hilo y memoria(s) del paisaje mapuche

Abstract

This article accompanies the ethnographic video, which shows various “string figures” made by two Mapuche women (mother and daughter). This video was shot in Trompul in the Mapuche community of Curruhuinca, Neuquén Province of Argentina, during the summer of 2009. It describes how the footage was obtained, the methodology used and it provides an overview and analyses of the tradition of “string figures.” All the figures are presented, though only a few are analyzed in depth [footprint of choique (ostrich), trarilonko (hairband), epu mahuida (two mountains), chochif (bird)]. This work is part of a doctoral research, and reveals ethnographical data from a poorly studied activity in the region. Also, we want to explore the multiple relationships between this cultural practice (of a mathematical nature) and other memory-supporting practices such as patterns in textiles/weaving, narrative about nature and the sequence of ritual actions performed during the Nguillatun . Thus, the string game can be considered as an iconographic mnemonic device and one of the possible gateways to illustrate different ontologies in the “Mapuche universe.” This gives us insight into a cultural landscape deeply rooted in the social memory of this people, passed down, in this particular case, from mother to daughter.

Keywords

• string figures
• social memory
• landscape
• Mapuche
• Trompul