Abstract

JUNKO, A. Seto. Reciprocal exchange among the Aymara people. Rev Cien Cult [online]. 2016, vol.20, n.37, pp.79-104. ISSN 2077-3323.

This article analyzes the reciprocal relationships among the Aymara people of the Bolivian highland, as a complement to the market economy, taking into consideration the theories of gift-exchange and reciprocity. In particular, this paper examines the Ayni relationship -reciprocal exchange, characterized by equivalent consideration-, in both real and festive life, based on ethnographic data obtained through field research. This study reveals that these two phases of ayni are constructed mutually, and also that the reciprocal relationship is incorporated into the market economy in complementary way. According to the concepts of Polanyi, reciprocity like ayni appears simultaneously with exchange as a market monetary system, in contemporary Bolivian society.

Keywords : Reciprocity; Aymara Culture; ayni; cariño; casera.

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