Argentina

The Block

Adriana Molder succinctly expressed the free spirit and strong sense of individualism of the Argentine people through her design and creation of this block. The centre of this square features a gaucho (cowboy) dressed in traditional garb strumming his guitar. A cattle herder living in the pampas (fertile South American lowlands), he roams the land on horseback, and lives by no one’s rules but his own. An important part of the Argentinian psyche, the gaucho symbolizes the independent spirit of the country’s inhabitants, immortalized in the epic poem Martin Fierro, a landmark in Argentinian literature. The embroidered gaucho on the block is framed in the neck opening of a woven poncho, embellished with black zigzag stitching and two bow ties, a distinctive feature of this type of garment. A simple and warm way to protect the gauchos, ponchos were easily worn and removed and allowed freedom in the arms for riatas (lassos) when looking after cattle. In the past, gaucho wives would quite often have had a simple loom to make ponchos and earn a living while their men were away. For Argentines in Canada, ponchos have taken on a different significance, that of a comforting reminder of home. To complete the block, a miniature replica of a faja (sash) worn around the gaucho’s waist displays the country’s national colours, white and blue, reminders of the country’s vast sky.

Cultural Profile

The country with the most varied geography and climate in all of South America, Argentina, meaning ‘silver land’, is home to sub-tropical rain forests, eternal glaciers and thousands of square miles of pampas (grasslands), giving it the distinction of being the ‘Land of the six continents.’ A very cosmopolitan country, its capital, Buenos Aires, is the second largest Spanish-speaking city in the world.

Argentina is a country of immigrants. Indeed, its population doubled from 1895 to 1915, due to the formidable numbers of immigrants coming from Italy, Spain, Russia, France and Germany. The local culture is now known for its distinct European influences. As well, there are still people belonging to one of the 35 different Native Argentinian cultural groups in the country. However, these groups struggle to maintain their heritage and culture.

Argentina’s arts and crafts are a showcase of the country’s blend of cultures. The gauchos’ ponchos, a legacy from the Aboriginal people, are woven using llama or vicugna wool in colours and patterns specific to each area of the country. Chaguar fiber, a plant similar to yucca, is used by the Wichis of northern Argentina to weave bags, bracelets or even ponchos. Silverwork is used to embellish saddles, rastras and buckles or spurs, facon, the large gaucho knife, or even the guampa, the gourd containing the traditional yerba mate brew. Filetadeo is a form of painting adorning buildings, cars, or buses, is typical of Buenos Aires and uses vibrant colours and floral motifs.

Argentina’s biggest cultural export is probably the tango. A fusion of African and European influences, tango has made its home in Buenos Aires. Tango dancers are a common sight on the capital city’s streets, accompanied by the nostalgic notes of a bandoneon.

As skilled workers, professionals and trades people, Argentines have been coming to Canada since the early 1900s for social and economic reasons, with a peak in immigration during the 1970s and 1980s as people fled the political turmoil in their homeland. Their numbers are estimated at 16,000 as of the 2011 cencus. The highest concentrations of Argentines are found in Toronto and Montreal. Keeping traditions alive in Canada, many Argentines proudly listen to their national music, speak Spanish in their homes, enjoy their traditional cuisine in homes and Argentine restaurants and actively participate in activities in their community.

Sponsor: Bainsville Women’s Institute