El reflejo de “lo típico”. La construcción de productos turísticos en Chaco (Argentina)

Abstract

Using the notion of fetishism, we analyse the construction of Chaco touristic products, delving into the social relations that are made invisible appearing in the physical shape of objects with value. We continue research initiated in 2012 and 2019 (referring to processes of commodification of Chaco indigenous handicrafts and culture in tourist‑cultural projects). We use the ethnographic method, covering ethnographic interview and reviews of official documents and websites. The construction of the products in question, by tour operators, state agents and non‑governmental organizations, involves an administration of perceptions that articulate reality and fiction. The fiction of “the typical” as something that is there to be shown is linked to products presented as the same after through operations of selection, naming, hierarchisation, demonstration, translation and certification. These operations, however, remain unfocused, thus promoting the sense of “the typical” as something that is there.