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History
The Mapuche – a name that in their language means People (Che) of the Earth (Mapu) – are the pre-Hispanic Amerindian inhabitants (anciently called Araucani) of parts of Chile and of southern-central Argentina. Originally from Chile, through a long process of migration and cultural transmission during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, they spread through much of Pampa and Argentinean Patagonia (the so-called phenomenon of Araucanization through which indigenous peoples of Pampas and Tehuelche were “Mapuchisized”). In reality this historical interpretation is contested by some Mapuche who refuse the role of “colonizers” attributed to them and who see Araucanization as a process of fusion of various indigenous cultures.
They have certainly always been a proud and fearless people, first resisting attempts of conquest by the Incan Empire and those of the Spanish later. But in the last decade of nineteenth century Chile and Argentina began a series of military campaigns that forced the Mapuche into the national area, pushing them into isolated areas. Although they are traditionally an agriculture people, many have moved to the outskirts of cities, loosening their ties with their culture. In the last few years there has been an effort, by more organized groups, to revive and treasure their traditions: an commitment that is proven by the number of websites and resources available on the Internet.
(20/10/2005)
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