Las "Las quentas de las Benditas Ánimas". An approach to the economy of a rural Indian brotherhood in Omaguaca, 17th century

Abstract

This paper deals with the economic activity of an indigenous brotherhood (cofradía) named Benditas Ánimas del Purgatorio, during the second half of the 17th century. This institution, formed by the Indian of Omaguaca and Uquía people was established in 1664 in the church of San Antonio de Omaguaca, located in the Quebrada de Humahuaca -today Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. We present an analysis of the participation of indigenous sectors in the economy of the people living in the Quebrada during colonial times. It is focused on the economic dynamics developed by the brotherhood: production, accounts, expenses, deliveries, debtors, credit circulation and other data provided by the sources. The paper aims to characterize the role of the institution within this economy, giving an account of the aforementionedmovements and evidencing the different protagonists in the context of their liturgical practices.