Adam Bohannon
IN THIS ARTICLE, I EXPLORE THE PRACTICES of self-representation used by indigenous leaders or dirigentes (as they are often referred to in Spanish) from the Zápara Nationality of Ecuador, one of the smallest indigenous groups in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These dirigentes have used indigenous languages, specifically Zápara and Kichwa, to symbolize their authenticity when interacting with non-Zápara outsiders. Zápara dirigentes' emphasis on Zápara and Kichwa as indicators of their communities' legitimacy has been important for creating political space for the Zápara in Ecuador. However, by equating indigenous languages with authenticity, Zápara dirigentes have also partially obscured and invalidated Zápara histories and practices. For example, they have downplayed the use of Spanish in their communities when representing them to outsiders and have highlighted rival indigenous leaders' lack of knowledge of the Zápara language to discredit them. By examining the complexities of these dirigentes' representational practices, I contribute to a more complex understanding of how indigenous leaders in Latin America have articulated new expressions of indigenous authority and power in their processes of self-representation.
anthropology latinamerica research
Would you like to comment?
Join Diigo for a free account, or sign in if you are already a member.