Characterization of the San Nicolas del Cerrito community, San Ignácio de Velasco, Bolívia

Abstract

We understand that the definition of culture consists of structures of socially established significations, for its understanding it is necessary to explore the social field. The objective of the study was to understand the ethnographic cultural aspects, social and political organization of the San Nícolas del Cerrito community, located in the municipality of San Ignacio de Velasco, in the Department of Santa Cruz, Bolivian territory. The methodology of participant observation and semi structured interview is used. As results highlighted the emergence of the community as migration of families in search of new opportunities and freedom; The population composed of more than thirty families, guided by a structure inherited from the Christian Jesuit Missions of the eighteenth century. Among the cultural attributes the community still maintains indigenous traditions of the Chiquitana ethnic group (domestic organization, social structure, cultivation practices and extractivism), adding to a rich diversity of fauna and flora, influenced by Laguna Marfil and its environments. One aspect of emphasis is the strong relationship with Brazilian culture due to its proximity to the border and predominantly with the city of Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade.