AdornoDonFelipeGuamanPoma

Introduction to Guaman Poma de Ayala

• Don Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala: A Peruvian Indian author who labeled himself as 'author and prince,' although he had neither a kingdom nor an audience during his time.

• Discovery of Manuscript: The manuscript, El primer nueva corónica i buen gobierno, was discovered in 1908 by Richard A. Pietschmann in Copenhagen.

Background

• Heritage: Guaman Poma belonged to Andean descent; he was not a mestizo but of pure Andean lineage.

• Residence: He claimed to live in the province of Lucanas, central Andes, and asserted his noble lineage with ties to the Inca dynasty.

• Literary Aspirations: His work was a petition to King Philip III, characterized as a comprehensive document of approximately 1200 pages, containing Spanish text, Quechua passages, and numerous illustrations.

Historical Context

• Colonial Impact: Guaman Poma's writing was shaped by the socio-political chaos following the Spanish conquest, particularly between 1532 and the late 16th century.

• Destruction of Andean Society: The Spanish invasion led to significant losses for indigenous peoples, including the dismantling of the Inca state and its traditions.

• Encomienda System: This Spanish system stripped indigenous peoples of land rights and introduced forced labor, drastically altering their social structure and power dynamics.

Guaman Poma's Position as Author

• Authorial Identity: He portrayed himself as both an advocate for indigenous rights and an authoritative historian through his literary work.

• Self-Presentation: In his dedicatory letters, he described himself as an Andean prince and showcased his familial connection to notable historical figures, advocating for a moral restoration in Spanish governance and the importance of Christianity among Andean peoples.

Purpose of the Manuscript

• Audience: Intended for King Philip III and the colonial society's various social strata; his work provided moral guidance for colonizers while educating Andeans in Christian beliefs.

• Printed Standards: He adhered to conventional printing practices, foreshadowing his intent to have the manuscript published, which demonstrates his engagement with European scholarly standards.

Content Overview

• Historical Narrative: His work critiques both Inca kings and Spanish colonizers, revealing the complexities of Andean social structures.

• Family Legacy: Guaman Poma emphasizes his family's noble history, calling into question the social hierarchy established by colonial rule.

• Visual Representations: The work includes intricate illustrations highlighting Andean life and cultural practices under both Incan and Spanish rule.

Personal Account and Experiences

• Biography Validation: His existence is documented in various archival records, although he often faced challenges in asserting his status amidst colonial bureaucracy.

• Literary and Institutional Interactions: Guaman Poma's role as an interpreter for colonial officials illuminated the intersections of culture and power during the crackdown on indigenous practices.

Writing Approach

• First-Hand Knowledge: His detailed accounts suggest personal observation of the viceroy's administration, particularly of Francisco de Toledo, indicating a deep familiarity with colonial governance.

• Cultural Critique: He openly challenged both clerical and governmental figures in Peru while invoking the need for native self-rule, hinting at his complex relationship with colonial structures.

Legacy and Manuscript Preservation

• Final Version Timeline: The manuscript was largely completed between 1612 and 1615 and underwent several revisions before reaching Copenhagen.

• Physical Attributes: The manuscript is notable for its high-quality paper and elaborate illustrations, hinting at Guaman Poma's resource access despite financial claims of scarcity.

• Historical Speculations: The acquisition route to Denmark may involve various collectors of the 17th century, indicative of the ongoing European interest in colonial narratives.

Concluding Reflections

• Evolution of Identity: Guaman Poma's choice to identify as a 'prince' underscores a conscious effort to reclaim dignity in a society where traditional roles and privileges had eroded.

• Crisis of Faith: His lamentations on divine and royal abandonment reflect broader themes of despair amid colonial exploitation, leaving a poignant legacy for Andean identity and struggles for justice.