Characterization and contextualization of a group of Aénts Chicham (Jivaro) artefacts formerly in the theological department of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland

This paper presents an unpublished collection of Aénts Chicham artefacts that were discovered in the former ethnographic collections of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Besides traditional material culture from the Ecuador and Peruvian border area, it contains items that incorporate Western materials such as textiles and glass beads. Highly appreciated by indigenous societies, these were exchanged over great distances through a system of trade partners. The collection is discussed together with its possible link to the Jesuit Mainas missions and to Swiss emigration waves of the 19th century.