The First New Chronicle and Good Government: First half Thoughts

 As a text filled with intricate imagery, a balance of position, and religious promotion, the Poma De Ayala is a very interesting piece of literature that tells a tale of conquest and history. From initial interpretation, the book contains origin stories and brings forth a certain dynamic from one that shares a link with both Indigenous and European by blood. The author asserts an opposing view to the occupation initiated by the Spaniards over the Inca in Peru, while (maybe unintentionally) pushing the narrative of Christianity in the account of history. 


What caught my attention was the story of the Wari Wiracocha Runa. It depicts this first generation of the Indies population, identifying them as Spaniards and “the ones who left Noah’s ark following the flood” (p.25). From these people who were unable to increase the population for more than 800 years, came the Wari Wiracocha Runa. These are the Indigenous that stem from Spaniards and were able to as the text says forever multiply (p.25). This evolution from the previous failures would allow them to be hailed as gods (p.25). This section describing the creation of society frames the story of the Indigenous as being involved in the biblical belief. The author blurs the line between myth and reality by calling the Indigenous survivors in nature while previously propelling them into the status of gods. This is in an attempt (I believe) to display this connection between both populations. It is difficult to grasp at times what his true intentions are when he combines Christian scripture with the existing Indigenous history.  


I could be misinterpreting the text, but it seems as though the author is highly devoted to the promotion of Christianity. Each instance of describing eras attempts to implement the Indigenous as key figures in religious stories. The Auca Runa are portrayed as beings of war creating “fortresses” and in constant aggression towards themselves (p.29). However, their humanity remained intact due to the continuous prayers and worship of God. This would apply to the richest of civilians and the poorest. The questions that I have are first: Is the author looking to rediscover his Indigenous history by relating it to his Colonial blood? Do the conflicting dynamics of having a Spanish and Inca background affect the amount of bias that could arise in the manuscript? Just some questions to consider for now until part two!

Comments

  1. Jon Beasley-MurrayJanuary 31, 2024 at 9:03 AM

    'It depicts this first generation of the Indies population, identifying them as Spaniards and “the ones who left Noah’s ark following the flood” (p.25).'

    Yes... so what's going on here? After all, the story of Noah and his ark is a biblical story, from the (Jewish and then Catholic) tradition!

    ReplyDelete

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