A Historicization of Physical and BiologicalAnthropology and/or Bioanthropology atthe Faculty of Philosophy and Humanitiesand the Faculty of Exact, Physical and NaturalSciences of the National Universityof Córdoba, 1950-2000 (Argentina)

Abstract

We have historicized Physical and Biological Anthropology, and Bioanthropology at the Faculties of Philosophy and Humanities (FFyH) and of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences (FCEFyN) of the National University of Córdoba (UNC). This subdiscipline began at the Institute of Anthropology of the FFyH in 1965, and later branched off into the FCEFyN in 1967. Both spaces were led by Alberto Marcellino (1938-2021).

In the 1950s and 1960s, Córdoba held a central place in the field of anthropological studies, with the UNC organizing and hosting academic meetings. In addition, research projects were carried out in Córdoba and Catamarca, mainly, but also in Santiago del Estero, Tucumán and Salta, promoting the studies of Cultural Anthropology, Folklore, Archaeology and Physical Anthropology.

Through the stories of their main figures, we show that, although smaller in number compared to archaeologists and cultural anthropologists, those who devoted themselves to physical, biological and/or bioanthropology during the second half of the 20th century, were part of the development of Anthropology, generating innovative lines of research and training researchers who would later join other national universities of the province and the country. Through a mapping of interinstitutional and interpersonal relationships, we reconstruct Marcellino's trajectory, and that of those trained by him in classrooms and laboratories.