Experiences of suffering, memories and health in communities wichí of Tartagal

Abstract

Through the experiences of suffering narrated by wichí people of Tartagal communities (Province of Salta, Argentine) this paper analyzes the wichí constructions of health-illness. Specifically I explore how these are re-created in relationship to the discourses and practices of medical care. The memories of their social trajectories become an important resource to give meaning to the experience of suffering and challenge hegemonic representations stigmatizing. By reflecting on these experiences, the space of the indigenous experience is intertwined with a horizon of expectations where health claims seek to transcend hegemonic notions that reduce actions in this area as a matter of biomedical nature.