On the maritime coast of Bolivia, a segment of the indigenous fishing population—named changos—persisted during the 19th century. This population represented a significant proportion of the coastal population of the entire area. In this work, we characterize them as a group, we propose the social configuration they acquired in that area and historical context, and we state the main trends of change during the period.
Some relevant social dimensions are analyzed. First, sociodemographic attributes of the group such as population, trades, households, gender, and household membership. Second, the state domination and sociopolitical autonomy that they were able to maintain. Third, the economy and the relationship with the market in order to specify how much self-sufficiency and dependence they maintained. Fourth, the social limits and the inbreeding of the group. Finally, the cultural and subjective components regarding language and collective affiliation.
We use mainly unpublished information from the Archivo y Biblioteca Nacionales de Bolivia, as well as descriptions of travelers, naturalists, officials and priests. Of special interest are the population censuses of Cobija or Puerto Lamar and the coastal area between the Loa River in the north to near Paposo in the south, for the years 1830, 1832, 1840 and 1854.
