LITR 4231 Early American Literature Sample Research Posts 2014 (research post assignment) Research Post 2

Cohen P. Landry

20 April 2014

Primitive Resistance and Accommodation: An Indian Struggle

Western European expansion is always an interesting topic of discussion and research. After further reading documents concerning early Indian struggles with European religious missionary efforts, and exotic explorations for land and precious metals, I noticed two distinctive differences between the Indian-Spanish relations and the Indian-Protestant relationships. Of course geographic reasons made certain situations more difficult and extreme for both parties, but the initial interaction between Indians and Easterners differ in Indian responses and motives. The theological belief and the social structure of Eastern travelers had an insurmountable influence of how they interacted with western natives, resulting in the continuous pursuit of a righteous covenant-driven relationship or a relationship driven by means of economic expansion. I intend to research further into how the social, mythical, and ritualistic environments of North-Eastern Indians and South-Western Indians helped Indians accept or resist the changes that altered their future. For this particular research assignment, I chose to analyze the alternative view:  the Spanish conquistadors and how they utilized the relationship with the earth-cultivating culture people known as the Indians to their economic advantage, and how in some tribes some of the assimilation shifted from a religious to a political practice.

There is rich history about Spanish conquest in Mexico and their relation to Indian tribes. These tribes such as the Aztecs, Tlaxcalteca, Quauhquecholteca, Coras, Tecueses, and the Teculas contributed to the success and many challenges faced by Spanish conquest during the 1500-1600s. There are also many “ambiguities in the roles and identities of indigenous allies of the Spanish conquerors” (Yannakakis 653). During those times, some of the tribes were near what is now called Mexico. Others were located northeast in other cities conquered by the Spanish. The city of New Galicia was “a province to the northeast of Mexico City, where the pull of potential mineral wealth and coastline on the ‘South Sea’ drove men crazy in pursuit of the mythical ‘Seven Cities of Gold’ (Altman 99). These desires drew Spanish explorers like Hernando and Francisco Cortes and Nuno de Guzman toward Mexico.

Cortes’s victory over the Aztecs in 1521was significant throughout history. Eventually “New Spain” was formed and the exploitation and resistance efforts began (Wood). The initial approach of Christian conversion of the natives was introduced by “radical method[s] of coercion and suffrage”(Wood). Most opposition led to enslavement or death. Altman states that this was merely the beginning of future Spanish endeavors. Spanish conquest continued to ravish the land and people, leading to rebellious acts and continued wars and suffering from both opposing sides. Faced with opposition, Spanish conquerors influenced many tribes to become allies. According to Altman, “the keys to Spanish success were the arrival of the vicerory with Spanish cavalry and thousands of Indian allies” during the Mixton War from 1540-1542. Many expeditions recruited some “Spanish [and] also African slaves” (Altman 100). Some of the opposing expeditions recruited “native inhabitants” as their primary help, which later lead to altercations between Spanish rivals (Altman 99). According to Altman, other commanders such as Juan de Ofiate, Diego de Proafio, and Sancho de Caniego built reputations for “abusive behavior [towards] soldier-settlers” and their other help (107). Already confronted with native “Chichimecs,” also known as Indians that were “uncivilized,” some Spanish commanders faced extreme rebellious acts. These “Chichimecs” showed hatred and violence to anyone, whether native or Spanish, who ever helped with conquistador escapades (Altman 108).

One collection of tribal people that significantly contributed to the success of Conquistadors, were the “Naborias,” (native people in the service of Spaniards, who were neither slave nor free) (Yannakakis 655). One of the original “Mesoamerican indigenous communities,” the Naboria took very cautious and calculated approaches to obtaining a mutual relationship with the Spaniards (Yannakakis 653). Later earning the name of “Indian Conquistadors,” their work was “merit-worthy service to the Spanish crown with the goal of achieving special collective status and privileges” (Yannakakis 655).  Some positions of work were agricultural laborers and artisans but, most importantly, “Military Auxiliaries” (Yannakakis 644). The work brought them favor in the eyes of the Spanish. They were given privileges which gave them an “upward trajectory…from dependent servitude to purported cultural and social superiority over other indigenous groups” (Yannakakis 657). In the 1540’s, Naborian tribes known as the Mixtecs and the Zapotecs were over 47% of the community’s labor force. More hard work and special accommodations, helped them earn favor. Later named the “Antequera Naborias” for their distinctive historical significance contribution to Spanish rule, they mingled with “non-Indians in churches, schools, and city life” (Yannakakis 658). They were included in baptism and buried among the non-Indians.

The Antequera Naborias were often treated unfairly, and by 1572, they also earned political rights of abolished slavery. In an attempt to “commemorate the [tribal] community’s glorious history” the Naborias used the “Lienzo of Analco,” a “picture-graphic narrative of the conquest of the Sierra Norte painted on cotton cloth,” to represent their historical contribution to many Spanish conquest (Yannakakis 654). In 1709 a dispute arose about their position as slaves. By displaying the “Lienzo of Analco” it was used as a legal device in Spanish courts to obtain rights in “land disputes” and “claims to noble status,” giving them more freedom and opportunities to expand politically and socially (Yannakakis).The political, acknowledgment of the Naboria’s documents solidified their relationship and played an important in their service to “local Spanish administrations…” and service to “…governors and municipal authorities in politically unstable or rebellious pueblos” (Yannakakis 659).

The North-Eastern Indians were primarily focused on spiritual and religious influences and rebellions, whereas the difference in the South-Western Indians focus, was slightly politically driven to gain communal relations with the Spanish during the late 1500’s. Although both Indian histories have similar experiences with war, religion, and assimilation, the social and cultural significance of their responses are somewhat different. Throughout the semester, many different stories of Western and Eastern cultures collided to form a unique expression of not just experiences, but a unified embodiment of interesting literature and history.