Abstract

We analyze the relationship between the atacameño ethnic group and the city of Calama in northern Chile. The massive presence of atacameños in the city leads to observe the ethnic practices in the construction of territory. The text presents the contemporary migration and mobility dynamics of atacameños in relation to historical practices. This analysis is based on the results of ethnographic research with members of the community of Socaire. Atacameños' construction of a new circulation space makes as view this cultural group as one that links urban and traditional spaces and thus redefines the relationship between society and territory.