Artisanal small boats on the continental coast of the Region of Valparaíso

a look from the cultural heritage

Abstract

Small crafts are a poorly studied aspect in the context of maritime heritage in the Valparaíso Region. Paradoxically, this is one of Chile´s most important administrative units in maritime activities, because it has two of the principal ports in Chile: Valparaíso and San Antonio, where the subjects associated to the history of communication lines, the arrival of steam, foreign technical influences or even the great harbor constructions, leave out small-scale seamen, like port employees and fishermen.
The objective of this paper is to present the main perspectives for the study of traditional small crafts as cultural heritage subjects. Beyond the technical description or the study of the artifact, but rather more as a heritage expression of an ancient knowledge in regarding its building and use, its role in the social relationships, in the landscape, the imaginary and folklore.