Savages and Chichimecs: European Myths of Alterity in the Sources of New Spain
Keywords:
Myths of alterity, Source criticism, New Spain, Chichimecs, Savage.
Abstract
We call myths of alterity to traditional beliefs that a people uses in its ethnocentric view over other people. Following the proposal of Roger Bartra, we examined some chronicles of New Spain to prove that European myths of alterity relating to the savage man influenced the descriptions that we have about the indigenous Mesoamerican peoples known as Chichimecs. Finally, we offer our reflections about the use and scope of these myths of alterity in relation to European expansion in America, and the methodological need of submit to criticism the information offered by the available sources. We have to remember that they was produced in the context of a global process of colonial acculturation.Downloads
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Published
2016-04-13
How to Cite
Santamarina Novillo C. (2016). Savages and Chichimecs: European Myths of Alterity in the Sources of New Spain. Revista Española de Antropología Americana, 45(1), 31-56. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_REAA.2015.v45.n1.52353
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Articles
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