Testimony of Pedro Naranjo on the Pueblo Revolt of 1680

Date and Context: The declaration was made on December 19, 1681, in the plaza de armas.
Declarant: Pedro Naranjo, an Indian prisoner and native of the pueblo of San Felipe, part of the Queres Nation.
Languages: He is proficient in Castilian (Spanish), his mother tongue, and the Tegua language.
Oath: He took an oath in the name of God, promising to tell the truth concerning his knowledge of the events.

Background Context: Naranjo indicates that ideas for rebellion among the Indians had been brewing under the governance of Governor Hernando Ugarte y la Concha.
- Previous conspiracies were initiated by Indian sorcerers.
- Seven or eight Indians were hung for conspiracy, which initially quelled unrest.

Use of Deerskins: Messages were conveyed through deerskins adorned with imagery to signal conspiracy; these were intended to unify pueblos but failed to reach all.
Role of Popé: An Indian named Popé, allegedly in communication with a supernatural force, galvanized the rebellion:
- Popé witnessed three fiery figures in an estufa (a ceremonial lodge) who instructed him about the rebellion.
- He was directed to make a cord of maguey fiber with knots to signify waiting days until the revolt, stressing penalties for non-compliance.

Premature Execution: Concerned about discovery, rebels enacted their plans two days early:
- They attacked priests, women, children, and Spaniards, believing the governor had left the area.
- Popé later commanded the inhabitants to reclaim traditional farming practices free of Spanish control.
New Orders to the People: Upon the initial violence, unity was mandated and anyone dissenting faced execution.

Mandate to Burn Religious Items: Popé ordered the destruction of Christian symbols:
- Images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other saints were to be destroyed.
- Temples were burned, and traditional religious practices were to be abandoned.
- Individuals were encouraged to wash away Christian sacraments in rivers, believing this would restore their prior, ancient status.
Rejection of Spanish God: They believed the Spanish God was inferior ("worth nothing"), equating their indigenous spiritual beliefs with a more potent authority.
Observance of Commands: Most complied with these orders, while a few Christians who resisted were executed.

Rebuilding: Naranjo observed the reconstruction of estufas and the adoption of masks for new rituals emphasizing a return to ancestral customs.
Mythical Promises: The spirits communicated promises of agricultural abundance upon the return to indigenous ways of life.
Physical Appearance as Loyalty Indicator: Those who maintained loyalty to the priests were to be identified by their appearance and punished accordingly.

Readiness for Combat: The Indians resolved to fight the Spaniards if they returned,
- A plan existed wherein demons would alert them of the Spaniards' approach, aiding in strategizing their defense.
Ingrained Defiance: Naranjo notes that rebellious sentiments lingered, with plans to attack Spaniards continuing behind the scenes.

Final Thoughts: Naranjo expresses remorse over his participation in the rebellion,
- He is now absolved, presenting his testimony as a truthfully spoken confession.
Age and Ratification: He states he is eighty years old, confirming the accuracy of his declaration and signing it under supervision from recognized authorities.

Involvement of Official Parties: The declaration was executed before Antonio de Otermín and witnessed by various individuals, including interpreters and officials, which emphasizes its legitimacy as a historical document.