Abstract

MAFFERRA, Luis; SALDI, Leticia  and  BESIO, Laura. Material and Discursive Formation of the Current Forest Landscape in the Irrigated Areas of Central-Northern Province of Mendoza, Argentina. Antipod. Rev. Antropol. Arqueol. [online]. 2023, n.52, pp.33-59.  Epub July 26, 2023. ISSN 1900-5407.  https://doi.org/10.7440/antipoda52.2023.02.

In the irrigated areas of Mendoza province, located in the central-west region of Argentina, trees play a central role in the construction of places and the definition of identity. The landscape, understood in a relational and historical sense, emerges as an interesting category for analyzing how material and discursive phenomena and dynamics shape environments that are considered characteristic of an identity. Based on a study of historical and current discourses and materialities regarding the formation of the forest landscape in the central-northern region of the province (currently known as the northern oasis), our objective is to analyze the role of these plants in the shaping and consolidation of distinctive environments, ways of experiencing these landscapes, and ethnic and provincial identities. The historical analysis is approached through a synthesis of archaeological and documentary data, which allows for the delineation and distinction of indigenous, colonial, and modern landscape formations. Current materialities are analyzed through agronomic studies, environmental reports produced by state agencies or provincial legislations, and own records. Discourses are examined through research in local media, web forums, and public debates. This article provides a synthesis and new insights on the topic, particularly by discussing various previously isolated sources. This holistic and historically informed analysis allows us to observe how narratives and materialities are intertwined in the unique construction of the forest landscape in Mendoza’s irrigated areas, shaping a distinct environment, experience, and identity in the study region, impacting various fields of knowledge and practice.

Keywords : Argentine central-west region; environmental experiences; provincial identities; public debate; relational landscapes; trees.

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