Memoria colectiva, memorial oral y nombre propio. Una etnografía con fotografías de archivo de la Misión Salesiana de Méndez entre comunidades Shuar del Ecuador

Abstract

Based on an ethnography amongst Shuar communities of Morona Santiago, using photographs and old postcards of the Salesian Mission of Méndez, we discuss the value of the experience that the viewing of this images allows. The aim is a better understanding of the relationship between image, oral and collective memory. We analyze some cases and evaluate the memorial processes this type of ethnographic situation promotes. We discuss the possibility of making a history of the Shuar people from these images and conclude that this type of ethnographic work enables a certain degree of historic consciousness and contributes to processes of identity revalorization for the indigenous peoples portrayed.