Cacicas - The Indigenous Women Leaders of Spanish America, 1492-1825 (Paperback)

The term cacica was a Spanish linguistic invention, the female counterpart to caciques, the Arawak word for male indigenous leaders in Spanish America. But the term's meaning was adapted and manipulated by natives, creating a new social stratum where it previously may not have existed. This book explores that transformation, a conscious construction and reshaping of identity from within. Cacicas feature far and wide in the history of Spanish America, as female governors and tribute collectors and as relatives of ruling caciques-or their destitute widows. They played a crucial role in the establishment and success of Spanish rule, but were also instrumental in colonial natives' resistance and self-definition. In this volume, noted scholars uncover the history of colonial cacicas, moving beyond anecdotes of individuals in Spanish America. Their work focuses on the evolution of indigenous leadership, particularly the lineage and succession of these positions in different regions, through the lens of native women's political activism. Such activism might mean the intervention of cacicas in the economic, familial, and religious realms or their participation in official and unofficial matters of governance. The authors explore the role of such personal authority and political influence across a broad geographic, chronological, and thematic range-in patterns of succession, the settling of frontier regions, interethnic relations and the importance of purity of blood, gender and family dynamics, legal and marital strategies for defending communities, and the continuation of indigenous governance. This volume showcases colonial cacicas as historical subjects who constructed their consciousness around their place, whether symbolic or geographic, and articulated their own unique identities. It expands our understanding of the significant influence these women exerted-within but also well beyond the native communities of Spanish America.

General

Imprint:	University of Oklahoma Press
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	October 2022
Editors:	Margarita R Ochoa • Sara V. Guengerich
Dimensions:	229 x 152 x 24mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	344
ISBN-13:	978-0-8061-9111-9
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > American history > General Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Ethnic studies > Indigenous peoples Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political structure & processes > Political leaders & leadership Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Gender studies > Women's studies > General Books > History > American history > General Promotions
LSN:	0-8061-9111-2
Barcode:	9780806191119

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