Scientists vs. Huaqueros. Responsibility and Participation in the Commercial Competition of Calchaquí Archaeological Pieces, at the End of the 19th Century

Abstract

In this article I analyze the trade of archaeological pieces from the Calchaquíes Valleys (Northwest Argentina/NOA) at the end of the 19th century, as a practice shared by different actors that modified the meaning and objectives of the traditional huaqueo of the area, while at the same time rapid development of an antique market. I suggest that this responded to the demand of scientists and institutions for the formation of collections, although it quickly became a threat to them, especially due to the actions of large-scale huaqueros. In the face of this advance - and even if in fact they actively supported the competition - the archaeologists maintained a "purifying" discursive distancing from commercial practices, which at the same time served to make their own responsibility invisible in the process.