Abstract

CUEVAS ARENAS, Héctor  and  CASTANEDA MORALES, Andrés Felipe. Indians and Encomenderos: An Approach to the Encomienda From a Political Culture and Tribute Covenant Perspective. Cauca River Valley, 1680-1750. Historelo.rev.hist.reg.local [online]. 2019, vol.11, n.22, pp.165-197.  Epub July 26, 2019. ISSN 2145-132X.  https://doi.org/10.15446/historelo.v11n22.72344.

The present article examines issues regarding the conflicts and the intermediation and subordinate relationships generated by the encomienda in the Cauca River valley. Relations of paternalism, obedience and asymmetrical reciprocity were researched in order to understand the values and practices inherent to the tribute covenant, such as their dynamics and their historical nature, whereby Indians actively participated and had possibilities for action. Mita labor, access to land, tribute and personal service negotiation strategies provided explanation of notions and values that would render intelligible the actions of the people to which the article refers. A Historical view addressing the political culture area is developed in the text, making it thus a different approach in respect of the traditional economic and social historiography. Research was based on legal or tribute sources, including the issues raised about the discursive, symbolic and practical dimensions of power and social relations.

Keywords : political culture; encomienda; Indians; Colony.

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