National identity, census data, and genetics in Uruguay

Abstract

As is found in all American countries, Uruguay’s population is based on unequal proportions of Native Indians, Europeans, and Africans. The manner in which Uruguayans perceive these contributions has varied during different time periods and by different segments of the society, and is related in a broad sense to the concept of national identity. National identity can be defined by answering the questions: Who are we? What do we want? (Rodríguez Kauth, 2009). From this perspective, until at least two decades ago, two concepts were emphasized in Uruguayan national identity: the extermination of the Native population and the minimal contribution of Africans to national identity. The same concepts appear reflected in Brazilian anthropologist D. Ribeiro’s (1969) work. In his historical and cultural configurations, he classified Uruguay as part of the "transplanted historico-cultural configuration," based on the fact that its population came almost exclusively from Europe and the presence of a European-based culture. Despite this, some African-related traditions are still very visible in Uruguay, especially during carnival, while Native American ones are mainly related to common use of Guaraní toponyms and the widespread use of mate(infusion of Ilex paraguariensis).