Export products in the colonial Tucumán. The vicuña wool trade from Salta at the end of the 18th century

Abstract

In Hispanic America, some vernacular products, such as vicuña wool, reached world consumption, especially after the changes in purchasing patterns of the 18th century. The commercialization of Andean fiber became relevant, had an impact on the incipient textile industry in the West and integrated local spaces into global markets of the time. The article analyzes the characteristics of the export of vicuña wool from Salta at the end of the 18th century. The main merchants that invest in the item and the incidence that it had in the set of its mercantile operations are identified. Promotion and regulation strategies enunciated by agents of the Monarchy in America are recognized and it is corroborated that the first policies to promote a more sustainable exploitation of Andean camelids arose early, as a result of these reports by the Crown. It is argued that the questioning of the national paradigm, from the orbit of circulation, provides more complete views on the economic dynamics of Salta viceregal, by establishing connections of local actors with spaces of greater scope and by revealing the integration of the local square, as exporter, to American and extra-American circuits.