Territorial fragments of rural space colonization in Araucanía in the 19th century

Abstract

This paper attempts at revealing the territory of Araucanía Region as a construction by the Chilean State during the 19th century. We propose the use of drawings and mapping media as key analytic material to understand the morphology and production of the territory. At the same time and concerning the division of rural lands, we suggest that Araucanía was built in a fragmented manner and not as a homogeneous and universal initiative. For such purpose, maps are shown to understand the territory from a general to a more particular viewpoint. Based on this, we suggest that in order to understand the current shape of Araucanía, it is essential to pay attention to this particular approach from the fragments of the territory.