Los objetos domésticos en la parroquia rural Inmaculada Concepción de La Cañada, Provincia de Maracaibo, Venezuela (1804-1860)

Abstract

The objective of this article is to study the domestic objects as a significant part of the material culture in the rural parish La Inmaculada Concepción de La Cañada, Province of Maracaibo (Venezuela), in the years 1804-1860. Using a methodology that allows systematizing the available information, the level of material well-being of the inhabitants of the parish is quantified based on the type and variety of objects present in their homes. In line with a recent “material turn” in the social sciences, the functional concept of domestic objects as simple tools or merchandise is transcended, addressing their material agency and exploring how these objects could have contributed to producing, reproducing and transforming social relationships as well as the practices and identities of the social agents. The main historical sources used were a group of post-mortem inventories consulted at the Registro Principal of the Zulia state (Maracaibo, Venezuela).