Cacicas indígenas en la Audiencia de Quito, siglo XVIII: las redes ocultas del poder

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of women mitmas and llactayas, King like, in the old dominions north of the Andes, in the Audience of Quito in the 18th Century. Notwithstanding the changes introduced by the Inca and Spanish conquerors, the study reveals the important line for continuity of feminine lineage in certain ethnic organizations. The said exploration has found out that women negotiated with the colonial power and other kings through strategic means that included skillfulness and intelligence, to play out the Spanish right with the indigenous traditions, the mobilization of economic elements and symbols and the manipulation of mestizaje.