The influence of Christian conversion in Mapuche traditional medicine in Temuco, Chile: toward a cultural syncretism or a form of ideological assimilation?
The Mapuche communities living in the urban areas of Chile have undergone radical cultural changes due to Christian conversion. This article analyzes the influence of these changes on the Mapuche ideas and practices of the traditional healers (machi) and patients in Temuco (IX Region), Chile, and the changes and adaptations in the perceptions of healing practices and rituals by the patients. The paper shows how, despite some evident challenges, the encounter with the religion of Christianity can create a process of cultural and spiritual syncretism and push traditional medicine toward an increased specialization in the therapeutic practices.
Department of Social Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada, mctorri@yahoo.it.
Maria Costanza
MC
Torri
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002677:Chile; D002835:Christianity / Q000523:psychology*; D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D007199:Indians, South American / Q000523:psychology*; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008519:Medicine, Traditional / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult