Blacks and Indigenous Peoples and the fear of rebellion in colonial Lima, 16th and 17th centuries

Gonzales Jauregui Y.M. · Varia Historia (2025) · DOI: 10.1590/0104-87752025v41e25093

Resumen

This study examined the origins of the fears held by the white population regarding the presence of black individuals during the first two centuries of colonial rule. Our aim is to demonstrate that the numerical superiority of the black population led to the rejection by the dominant group, thereby inciting fears of potential slave rebellions or interethnic conflicts. Consequently, colonial legislation constructed the image of black and indigenous people as irreconcilable groups. The legal framework was paternalistic, revealing that the dominant fear was not the abuse of black people against indigenous people, but rather the possibility of sexual and friendly unions that could destabilize Hispanic dominance. Violations of prohibitions were met with severe punishments, including whippings, banishment, amputations, or death, executed publicly to exert control. Thus, even rumors of a black uprising induced panic among whites, exposing their vulnerability and likely heightening their anxiety to control the slave population. Marronage, focused revolts, exploitation of legal spaces, escape, or suicide became prevalent forms of protest, met with violent repression.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú