Čelkok’enar, an approach to Indigenous seafaring in Fuego-Patagonia. A quantitative and spatio-temporal analysis of canoe sightings

Abstract

The use of seaworthy watercrafts by Indigenous peoples in the Strait of Magellan was noted since the very early European explorations. These maritime hunter gatherer populations were vividly depicted in the reports of European sailors from the 16^th century on. In this work we present the results of the analysis of 506 sightings of Indigenous canoes recorded in a range of historical and ethnographic sources between 1520 and 1960 along the Pacific coastline of southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, aiming to assess the spatiotemporal variability of Indigenous watercraft, and study technological features and seafaring. Results sustain changes in watercraft technology (apparition of new types like dalkas and dugouts) and seafaring practices since the 18^th century due to different social factors, as Indigenous migrations, intercultural contacts and acculturation.