Encomienda

=Encomienda=

Found in early Latin America, encomiendas were grants of American Indian laborers given to the Spanish conquistadors and settlers. These were the earliest frameworks for relations based on economic dominance. Encomiendas aided the colonies in their mining and agricultural economy. A certain number of natives were granted to a conquistador or Spanish soldier. In return for tribute in various forms (most commonly in labor or gold), they were responsible for educating the natives in the Spanish language and Catholicism. The holder of an encomienda was called an //ecomendero.//

Created by: Stacy Fairey 12.07.08
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