Death and Conversion in the Andes: Lima and Cuzco, 1532 – 1670

Death and Conversion in the Andes reveals that the Christianization of Andean populations was not merely a process of violent imposition but involved a complex, rational engagement with indigenous culture. The study, focusing on Lima and Cuzco from 1532 to 1670, demonstrates how conquistadors adapted to Andean death rituals and spatial practices, integrating them into Catholic frameworks. By analyzing wills, testaments, archaeological evidence, and anthropological data, the research challenges the stereotypical image of conquistadors as solely destructive figures, highlighting instead a dynamic process of cultural assimilation and reorganization. This innovative approach provides new insights into the intersection of religion, space, and identity in colonial Peru.

Zambrana, A. (2011). Death and Conversion in the Andes: Lima and Cuzco, 1532 – 1670. Hispanic American Historical Review, 91(4), 706–707. https://doi.org/10.1215/00182168-1416765