Joanne Rappaport is a scholar of anthropology and Hispanic studies. Her work delves into the realms of public intellectuals, cultural experimentation, and ethnic pluralism, with a particular focus on Colombia. Through her research, she explores how these elements shape society and culture, offering insightful analyses of intercultural dynamics.
Looking at what it meant to be mestizo (of mixed parentage) in early colonial Spanish America, Joanne Rappaport finds fluid identification processes rooted in an epistemology entirely distinct from modern racial discourses.
Focusing on the indigenous movement in Cauca, Colombia, the book examines the roles of various participants, including indigenous people, non-indigenous allies, scholars, and shamans, in shaping a redefined sense of Colombian nationhood. It highlights the collaborative efforts and cultural exchanges that contribute to a broader understanding of identity and belonging within the nation.