The Racism of the Nation. Degenerationist Discourses in Bolivia (1880-1910)

Abstract

This paper addresses a moment in Bolivian history when archaeological narratives that posited the degeneration of indigenous populations, from the pre-Hispanic past whose greatest visible achievement was the construction of the Tiwanaku monuments, until its supposed decline and disappearance, were issued. Those trends, marked by an inexcusable racism, are related to the rise of the “oligarchic state” (1880-1910) that consolidates a liberal, Eurocentric nation-state, regional conflicts, and state aggression towards indigenous communities, perceived as obstacles to national progress. Work by seven scholars is analyzed, detecting both common elements and variations; and the narrative is addressed in relation to contemporary and subsequent ones, in order to encourage reflection on the relationship between archaeological narratives and racist policies and ideologies.