Biographical Archaeology: The Nazi Roots of Erasmus Reichel, life in Austria (1912-1933)

Abstract

This article presents a biographical synthesis of the life of Erasmus Reichel, better known as Gerardo Reichel-Dolmatoff, during his time in Austria (1912-1933).  A survey of this period permits a better understanding of the changes in his life that later affected the agenda of his monumental scholarly output.  In order to accomplish this it is necessary to excavate the past before he became a figure known for his contributions to anthropology in the fields of ethnography and archeology. Methodologically, we employ an approach based in philosophical archeology.  Using historical documents we contextualize the development of the personal and familial life of Erasmus and elucidate the process of his integration and participation in Austrian Nazism from his time in school until he joined the SS paramilitary unit in Austria.