Historias wichís de máquinas y accidentes (Misión Nueva Pompeya-Chaco)

This article analyzes a series of accounts of accidents that occurred among the Wichís of the Argentine Chaco in different historical periods since the end of the nienteenth century. It reflects on the local understanding of mechanical accidents that are considered as lewit’oi misfortunes and, in part, are due to bad luck, “yeta”, katawu. An absence of institutionalization of guilt, an attenuated management of evil, and of its causes, and a weak nourishment of the axiological system are thus revealed. As far as accidents on the road are concerned, it becomes clear that traveling by car, truck or motorcycle and getting away from the village —that is, going out and traveling far away— is perceived as something dangerous. This danger can be controlled to some extent.