MYTH, BELIEF AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN IN THE COLOMBIAN EMERALD SOCIETY.

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the model of ideal woman in the myth of Fura and Tena and its cultural impact on the emerald mine in San Pablo de Borbur, Colombia, using a gender perspective analysis. The emerald signified a connection between spirit, body and nature for the indigenous cultures that inhabited the place. However, the subsequent mining generated gender inequalities, since the work was done mostly by men.

The myth of Fura and Tena, centered on Fura’s betrayal and punishment, became a narrative that stigmatized women in mining. Throughout history, women were excluded from this activity, associating them with bad luck and infertility for veins. Although some women have recently joined mining, stigma and discrimination persist.