An approach to Prehispanic past construction in an exhibition of the Museo Pampeano of Chascomús from 1939 to 1992

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the construction of different discourses about the prehispanic past in Chascomús. These constructions were crystalized through the archaeological materials exhibitions in the local museum. We study the institucional politics carried out since the time of the museum foundation (1939) until the last renovation of the archaeological gallery (1992) at a local scale. Besides we discuss the influence of diffe-rent social agents (collectors, archaeologists and the museum staff) in the classification and interpretation of the archaeological materials. Three instances of organization and interpretation of these remains are distinguished. These include the Museum foundation and the discussions around the institutional project, the organization of the archaeological exhibition with private collections and finally, the last reorganization with the incorporation of materials recovered in archaeological investigations. These instances involved changes in the major historical context, the theoretical discussions and the use of different techniques and concepts that allowed comprehending the lifestyle of the prehispanic groups.