Unforgotten to the unforgettable: how Arpilleras contributed to Chilean history informing everyday occupations and social change.

OBJECTIVE

The September 11, 1973 Pinochet military coup marks the anniversary of a changed way of life for everyone in Chile and has influenced people around the world. This paper provides a reflection on the social, political, and personal injustices faced by the women of Chile during a vicious dictatorship, through the depiction of an Arpillera.

PARTICIPANTS

This paper unfolds the women's experience of occupational transitions and how they shared their stories of injustices to the world at a time when almost all other voices of protest had been silenced.

METHOD

A narrative and historical reflection is used to offer an interpretation of the experiences of transitions among these women.

CONCLUSION

Through the art of survival and a shared mission, the women of Chile worked outside of the traditional political system to effect political change.