Champuria and chiñura enunciations of multiplicity in the writings of Manuel Manquilef (1887-1950) and Isolde Manquilef (1918-2020)

Abstract

In this article we demonstrate how champuria identity can be perceived and problematized in a specific corpus of writings by two Mapuche leaders from the first half of the 20^th century: Manuel Manquilef (1887-1950) and his niece, Isolde Manquilef (1918-2020). Rather than explicitly identify as champuria or analyze this term, it manifests in their self-representations of identity and positionality, and as an early marker of identity operating within Mapuche society. Our article proposes that both “indigenous intellectuals’” (Zapata) writings are relevant to current discussions regarding the concept of champuria carried out by academics, poets, and artists in Chile, which are usually focused on contemporary works. Our study demonstrates its relevance to research about the past. Additionally, we consider the concept of chiñura and how it manifests in the same corpus to contextualize the importance of Isolde’s work as well as to demonstrate how the notion of chiñura worked differently for Mapuche women than for Mapuche men. Through Isolde Manquilef’s story and writing, we contribute a new perspective to the multiplicity of champuria trajectories for Mapuche women in the political and intellectual realms of the past.