Socio-historical Characteristics of the Maká Indigenous People

Abstract

This study stems from the historical framework of the doctoral dissertation titled “Pedagogical Experiences in an Educational Institution of the Maká Indigenous People of Mariano Roque Alonso” and aims to explore the socio-historical characteristics of the Maká indigenous people. It consists of a literature review based on articles published in scientific journals of the Center for Anthropological Studies at the Catholic University, specifically publications by Dr. José Zanardini and works by authors such as Branislava Susnik, Chase Sardi, Gómez Perasso, Herrero Galiano, and Berná Serna, found at the Andrés Barbero Ethnographic Museum, among others. Qualitative techniques were employed for this study, such as documentary analysis, interviews, and observation, with data recorded using documentary index cards, semi-structured interview guides, and field notes. The history of the Maká people demonstrates how their culture is changing in organizational and material aspects, while their language remains alive and constitutes the foundation of their identity. The displacement from their ancestral lands, economic change, and pressure from the dominant culture have not succeeded in erasing their historical memory. For this reason, the systematization and dissemination of this work in the Maká indigenous school takes on fundamental importance: it contributes to strengthening that memory, with the participation of Maká community leaders, and ensures that new generations learn about their origins and the richness of their cultural legacy, which remains alive today.