Change and material culture: Alfred Métraux among the Chiriguano

The early ethnological works of Alfred Métraux are analysed bearing in mind his first field- work trip to the Chiriguano, in 1929. The paper discusses personal, academic and professional features of Métraux's ethnological experience, the nature of the 1929 trip and his concrete relationships with the Chiriguano groups and individuals. Next, we analyse his ideas on material culture as a priviledged means of understanding the synthes is of Andean, Chaco and Amazonian cultural influences. Finally, the dilemmas and limitations of his analytical approach regarding Créole cultural influ- ence and social and cultural change are discussed.