Abstract

ROSKAMP, Hans  and  MONZON, Cristina. Uses and Abuses of an Uhcambeti in Tzirosto, 16th-Century Michoacán: the Case of Cristóbal Tzurequi. Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2011, vol.32, n.128, pp.245-287. ISSN 2448-7554.

This article presents a historical analysis of a document in the Tarascan language written in 1563 by the scribe of the república de indios, Santa Ana Tzirosto, which deals with abuses allegedly committed by the uhcambeti, or leader (mandón) of a subject settlement called San Francisco Corupo. That local official enjoyed the status of cacique, exercising broad control over the P'urhépecha people, who accused him, among other charges, of exorbitant increases in the tribute they were obliged to pay, stealing money from community coffers, and threatening those who protested,. The case opens an interesting window onto the internal organization of a pueblo de indios, especially in relation to tribute collection, relations between leaders (principales) and the common folk (macehuales), and the administration of justice. The translated text in the native language on which this article is based is included in an Appendix.

Keywords : Michoacán; colonial era; repúblicas de indios; indigenous sources; tribute; justice.

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