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This article briefly examines the data referring to ethnic identification that is contained in the investigation carried out by the Centre for Public Studies on the Mapuche population in 2006. The results of the study indicate that the factors that most determine this identity are language and land. The information points to a notable deterioration in the Mapuche language that is accompanied by a profound breakdown in the ritual and blood community. The possibility of asserting an ethnic identity under these circumstances appears to be very diminished, but it picks up notably when reference is made to land, which is offered as the last pillar of support for an ethnic identity fiercely challenged by the actual processes of urban assimilation.