A Hyperbolic Archaeology for Americanism

Reflections upon the link between Arthur Posnansky and Ernesto Quesada

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship of intellectual collaboration established between the archaeologist Arthur Posnansky – who was focused on the interpretation of the archaeological legacy of Tiahuanaco – and the Argentine sociologist Ernesto Quesada. In the 1920s, both engaged in a fluid correspondence that hints at the centrality of pre-Columbian archaeology – and the importance of transnational solidarity ties – for the consolidation of Americanism. In particular, I am interested in investigating the consequences of the dissemination in Argentina of Posnansky's daring hypotheses, which were harshly opposed by the "scientific" archaeology of José Imbelloni. To this end, I would like to explore the role played by Posnansky in Quesada's critical reception of Oswald Spengler's The Decline of the West. Ultimately, I am interested in illuminating the intersections between "Americanism" stricto sensu (centered on archaeology) and other social discourses (such as interpretive essays) that are perceived as part of a more far-reaching "Americanism" inspired by the search for a continental identity oneness.