202557(en)/40 - “Tying Up Loose Ends”: An Analysis of Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Ancestry in the Framework of a Genetic Study in Córdoba, Argentina
“TYING UP LOOSE ENDS”: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIGENOUS AND AFRO-DESCENDANT ANCESTRY IN THE FRAMEWORK OF A GENETIC STUDY IN CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA
“ATAR LOS CABOS SUELTOS”: UN ANÁLISIS SOBRE ANCESTRÍAS INDÍGENAS Y AFRODESCENDIENTES EN EL MARCO DE UN ESTUDIO GENÉTICO EN CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA
Yaín Garita-onandía, Carolina Álvarez Ávila, Renata Oliveira Rufino y Angelina García
Within the framework of a research project on genetic ancestry in the city of Córdoba, Argentina, we conducted an ethnographic study aimed at contributing to this field from an interdisciplinary perspective (or from one that bridges bioanthropology and social anthropology). In this article, we analyze a group of participants who approached us with the intention of seeking, confirming, or legitimizing a possible Indigenous or Afro-descendant ancestor through DNA analysis. In a country shaped by a national narrative that has long promoted the invisibilization, and supposed extinction of these identities, we first address the fragmented memories, silences, and suspicions that emerged in participants’ testimonies. Secondly, we examine the racialized and ethnicized markings that surfaced when reflecting on these identities, and how such suspicions were also intertwined with certain practices, preferences, and “connections”.
