“Not From Their Culture”: The Influence of Artisanal Promotion Agents in the Production and Commercialization of Indigenous Crafts in Chaco, Argentina

Artisanal promotion agents (APAs) significantly influence the production and commercialization of indigenous crafts in Chaco, Argentina, shaping decisions on colors, materials, and shapes without always making their cultural presumptions explicit. Through ethnographic fieldwork spanning six years, researchers observed that APAs use images and prototypes to communicate design suggestions, diversifying craft production while maximizing market appeal. Their influence is heterogeneous, with notable impact on shape choices but less obvious effects on color decisions. This study highlights the pivotal role of APAs in mediating cultural expressions through commercial systems, revealing how they manage both artistic diversity and economic strategies.

Perret, M. F. (2022). “Not From Their Culture”: The Influence of Artisanal Promotion Agents in the Production and Commercialization of Indigenous Crafts in Chaco, Argentina. The Journal of Modern Craft, 15(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/17496772.2022.2048496