Self-construction and housing with cultural belonging: the case of the Aymara in Arica

Abstract

The following article seeks to reflect on the “cultural relevance” in the housing provided by the Chilean State to members of indigenous ethnic groups. Through a study of Aymara housing cases between the 1950s and 1980s, a description is obtained of the Aymara people’s urban housing in the city of Arica, including how it is compared with housing recognized as traditional in highland areas. Based on a particular case, it is suggested that the self-construction process can be considered a possible tool to account for the particular characteristics of the homes of indigenous families in our country.