Reflecting upon the figure of Eric Boman and his place in Argentinean Anthropology

Abstract

In this article my intention is to discuss and relate the archeologist Eric Boman´s (1867-1924) practices and scientific trajectory with the ways in which he has been remembered by the history of Anthropology and Archeology in Argentina. First, I reflect upon how his scientific trajectory was conditioned by; his own socio-economic position; the way intra and extra institutional networks worked at the time; and the relations of friendship, patronage and enmity he established with certain scientists in Argentina and Europe. Secondly, I consider it necessary to deploy and discuss the ambiguous and marginal place Boman has occupied in Argentinean Archeology in the light of a “disciplinary canonization” of Juan B. Ambrosetti. I present some reflections upon the rivalry and the theoretical and methodological discussions which existed between Boman and Ambrosetti when both were alive and how this rivalry has been emphasized and constructed by following generations. By approaching and analyzing publications from Boman´s time as well as secondary bibliography in which he and his contributions to the discipline are mentioned, I have identified a polarization operation presents Boman and Ambrosetti as complete opposites when in fact their scientific practices in some cases did converge. I argue that this polarization is linked, among other things, to the centrality of methodological specificity in the making of disciplinary traditions.