Medicinas indígenas empaquetadas : configuraciones a través de lo exótico, la comercialización y regulaciones en las urbes del altiplano cundiboyacense

Abstract

Cultural, economic and legal dynamics of modern societies surrounds Traditional Indigenous Medicine, similar to other areas of social reality. This continuous interaction provides the basis for the emergence of new categories of analysis within the topic, such as ‘Packaged Indigenous Medicines’. The aim of this work is to identify the insertion strategies of the indigenous medicines of Putumayo in medium and small sized cities of Colombia. The author used an ethnographic fieldwork method in medium and small sized cities in the Cundiboyacense highlands to define the Indigenous Medicines packaged from traditional indigenous substances, reformed in their exterior appearance, and commercialized in itinerant artisan fairs. Results show an insertion strategy aiming to turn indigenous medicines as an equal option for western medicine pharmacologically active agents. In addition the author discussed 3 concepts to consolidate the elements of insertion strategies: 1) the reproduction and strengthening of indigenous stereotypes in the cities through exoticization and roaming; 2) the insertion in the current global market logics; and 3) the appropriation of government regulations for pharmacologically active substances and indigenous medicines. The configuration and exhibition of Traditional Indigenous Medicines of Putumayo presented in this thesis should be understood in a context of medical pluralism where the influence and use of multiple therapeutic approaches is feasible. The author also discuss the central role of yagé as a form of representation and comprehension of the indigenous “other” in the cities as a secondary finding.