Cultural Worlds of the Jesuits in Colonial Latin America

The Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis, including sites in Argentina and Brazil, represent a complex interplay of European and Indigenous cultures. A key insight from recent research is that these missions were not solely focused on conversion but also involved significant cultural exchange, including language development, technological introduction, artistic innovation, scientific study, and musical education. The study highlights the transculturation process where Indigenous artistic traditions, such as rock painting and tattooing, blended with European decorative styles in mission churches. Additionally, it explores how Jesuit activities, like the drug trade and mule breeding, facilitated transatlantic circulation of goods and ideas, contributing to both local and global economies. The research also underscores the importance of Indigenous-language sources, which reveal a 'Euro-Amerindian legal and political space' where Guaraní voices were articulated. This holistic approach challenges traditional narratives centered on spiritual dialogues, offering a more nuanced understanding of Jesuit-Indigenous encounters in colonial Latin America.

Dyck, J. (2021). Cultural Worlds of the Jesuits in Colonial Latin America. Hispanic American Historical Review, 101(2), 312–314. https://doi.org/10.1215/00182168-8897620