Reflections between design and pilagá crafts (Argentina) articulations.

In this article, I investigate how, from 2015 onward, a boom in Pilagá artisanal production began, in hand with the trend in interior decoration called Boho. As I show in depth, this trend is characterized
by the use of natural raw materials and many basketry elements. From this perspective, I study the commercialization of the pieces made with carandillo fiber by the Pilagá, framed by current trends, and as part of the circuit for the consumption of Design objects. In addition, I study how multiple interior Design businesses develop a selective process to promote craftsmanship in terms of authenticity and unique original Design pieces; but simultaneously makes the craftswoman invisible by choosing to enhance partial assets, valuing the object as a Design piece. Analysis is based on a qualitative methodological development that combines techniques that are typical of ethnography (field work in indigenous communities and interviews with artisan women and intermediaries) with discourse analysis and virtual ethnography. In summary, I investigate how handcrafts are constructed as Design objects by a strategic selection of certain characteristics and hiding others.