Encomienda, familia y redes en Charcas colonial: los Almendras, 1540-1600

Abstract

The encomienda in Colonial Latin America was the initial grant that provided a conquistador the opportunity to reach economic success and social status. At the same time it contributed to economic diversification and integration of both businesses and investments. Behind a wealthy encomendero there was a family, that incorporated in a kindred, entailed a set of relationships among a number of persons, businesses and local institutions that helped to increase his economic activities and maintain social status. This study addresses a family of Peruvian conquistadors, looking at the influence of kinship, Iberian regional links, patronage, and clientelism to acquire wealth and status.