Archaeologia Baltica

Like several other Gran Chaco indigenous groups, the Wichí identify several constellations in the sky; among them, Venus appears as an important celestial object generally identified with the mythical motif of the Star Woman. This character (kates lhukwetah) is crucial in an important myth associated with Venus. The mythical motif of the Star Woman will therefore be analysed. The cultural meanings implicit in Wichí representations of women and gender relationships are tracked in several social, symbolic, celestial and material contexts. Meaningful relationships between celestial beings (Venus), cosmological representations (Star Woman) and feminine social life (material culture, string figures, marriage alliance, initiation rites) are verified and analyzed.