Producción doméstica, mercado y actividad artesanal en comunidades mapuches del sur de la provincia de Neuquén

Abstract

This article is meant to analyze the relationship between domestic production and marketing in the Mapuche community located in Huiliches (Province of Neuquén). We will specifically concentrate on craft production and marketing, as it constitutes an increasingly important factor in the Mapuche economy. We will also account for the structural aspects concerning de development of this activity, among which we could mention tourism, underemployment, the search for alternative income, and different governmental and NGO´s policies. Owing to the fact that in the past years, there have been limitations in cattle rearing and lack of employment in these communities, we will be able to relate the increasing importance of craft production with the sources of income already mentioned.