Mapuche silverwork

The Mapuche people, who live in southern Chile and Argentina, developed one of the most recognizable silversmithing traditions in South America. The person who works silver is called a rütrafe, and the jewelry is above all part of women's dress: it expresses identity, family status and belonging.

Who and where #

The Mapuche (in Mapudungun, “people of the land”) live in the Wallmapu, a territory now divided between Chile and Argentina. Silver became widely integrated into their culture, especially from the 18th century, when silversmiths began melting coins and silver objects into jewelry of their own design.

Materials and techniques #

• Silver, often from melted coins.
• Mold casting, hammering, rolling and worked wire.
• Chasing, openwork and filigree for the discs and pendants.
• Glass beads and other materials combined with the silver.

Traditional pieces and their meaning #

• Trarilonko: a silver headband with discs or coins worn on the head; it marks the identity of the woman who wears it.
• Tupu: a large silver pin with a disc-shaped head that fastens the mantle; it is associated with status.
• Trapelacucha: a silver pectoral with hanging ornaments worn over the chest.
• Chawai: silver earrings, sometimes very long and with pendants.

The tradition today #

Mapuche silverwork is alive in family workshops and fairs in Chile and Argentina, and is shown in museums. Silver is often associated with the moon and with protection, although the exact meaning varies between families and communities. To buy, the best route is directly from Mapuche silversmiths or cooperatives that identify the origin of each piece.

See also #

• Silver
• Copper
• Symbols in traditional jewelry and their meaning
• How to buy artisan and Indigenous jewelry ethically