“We’re Evangelio, We Don’t Have to Remember”: History, Ethnography, and Existence in the Argentine Qom/Toba Religion

Abstract

In this paper, I explain the emergence of contemporary religious discourse and practice, commonly called evangelio, among the Takshek Toba of Eastern Formosa (Argentina) through a dual historical and ethnographic perspective. I analyze the influence that both the Catholic and Protestant missions and the nation-state had on the establishment of indigenous churches, as well as their critical view of ancient culture, shamanism and social life. In addition, I examine the way in which being Toba is valued in the world today. The latter, which is strongly anchored in what might be termed "evangelical being'," summarizes the historical processes already mentioned. Moreover, it presents an interesting case for further comparative studies in the region and other areas of South America.