David K - 10-5-2004 at 06:27 PM
A new email from academic anarchist (Robert), in South America touring missions...
Tuesday, October 05, 2004 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: Mission Hunting
Dear David. Yesterday I visited the sites of five missions located near the
Parana River, in Misiones Province in Argentina. Three are on the UNESCO
Heritage list, San Ignacio, Santa Ana, and Loreto. The other two missions I listed were Corpus Christi and Candelaria. I returned today with several
local scholars to Corpus Christi, to discuss with the local political
official (Intendente) a problem with the protection of the mission site.
Corpus is a National Historic Site, but squatters have been systematically
destroying the mission ruins. One family had a large collection of roof
tiles and stones pillaged from the mission site, which is illegal, but is
condoned by the Intendente. A very complicated situation. We also stopped at
Santa Ana on the way back so I could take more photos. I have taken some 400
digital photos, and have already developed around 150 more. I will be back
in the states on Saturday. Robert