Abstract

CHAVEZ GUZMAN, Mónica. Medicine, Interethnic Relationships, and Conflicts of an Afrodescendant in Mayan Communities in the Proximity of La Montaña in Campeche during the Eighteenth Century. Rev. pueblos front. digit. [online]. 2021, vol.16, e543.  Epub Mar 06, 2023. ISSN 1870-4115.  https://doi.org/10.22201/cimsur.18704115e.2021.v16.543.

This paper analyzes the case of a healer of African descent judged by the Inquisition. A convergence of indigenous, Spanish, and British healing knowledge was learned and applied in communities surrounding the Royal Road to Campeche and La Montaña jungle in the Yucatán Peninsula in the early eighteenth century. Mayan botanical medicine prevailed as part of the healing practices characterizing the early Colonial period, as well as leadership-related rituals taught by native rebels and banned by the Spaniards. A micro-historical analysis demonstrates a healer’s adaptation to his/her surroundings, as well as the alliances and strife between members of diverse groups. Besides, this analysis enables a presentation of the defense strategies used by various positions, as well as the privileges that might have been underlying the trial.

Keywords : Healing; Mayan; disputes; alliances; inter-ethnicity.

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