Extirpación de idolatrías e identidad cultural en las sociedades andinas del Perú virreinal (siglo XVII)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: From the beginning of the Spanish conquest in 1532, the colonial project was linked to the evangelization and Hispanicization of the Andean population. In 1608, however, it became clear that missionary work had not been successful, because the indigenous population proceeded to practice the pre-Columbian religious cults under the cloak of Catholic feasts. As a consequence, in 1610 the so-called “Extirpation of Idolatry” was instituted in the archbishopric of Lima. The new institution aimed at the eradication of indigenous religions, classified as “idolatry” by the Spaniards. Andeans, however, deemed it absolutely necessary to perform the ancient cults in order to secure the survival of the ethnic group and all human life. The intimate bonds which tied Andean ethnic groups to their gods —often considered ancestors and/or creators of the group— gave the autochthonous religions great importance as an essential element for the constitution of cultural identity. Consequently, the Extirpation of Idolatry threatened the identity of Andean ethnic groups. Yet, by continuing to worship their gods and adhere to their religions —even in a modified form— Andean ethnic groups at the same time defended their cultural identity.

RESUMEN: El artículo trata del proceso, tanto de extirpación de la idolatría en sociedades andinas durante la colonia, del virreinato de Perú y en específico de las provincias Huarochirí y Cajatambo, como de las diversas reacciones de las sociedades indígenas frente a esta arremetida del poder colonial contra las creencias y los cultos de la población indígena, bautizadas por los colonizadores materiales y espirituales como idolatría.