Serial Number
230-00008
Title
Letter to padre provincial concerning Yaqui missionization.
Author(s)
Perez, Andres (Fray)
Date
06-13-1617
Documentation
Rio del Espiritu Santo. June 13, 1617. Original.
Summary
Mentions Island Rio Yaqui 2 leagues from mouth where largest concentration Yaquis have their fields, describes Yaqui flood plain agriculture (maize, beans, squash), including 2 planting seasons. States cotton, Mescal (agave), otras semillejas not cultivated, but apparently Tuna (opuntia) was. Notes Lower pueblos' exploitation sea resources, especially fish. Mentions continuous warfare with Nebomes, Mayos. says Yaquis, surrounded by enemies, unable to leave territory, desire friendship with Nebomes especially, because Yaquis wish to trade with Guaymas (Seri group), parientes de los Nebomes. for shells, beads. Notes scattered Rancheria style settlement pattern from Tesano to sea (14 leagues). Houses of petate, located near fields. Describes aid Yaqui leaders in missionization process. Stresses isolated, beleaguered nature Yaqui society, desire for security from enemies. Notes that although Yaqui leaders don't possess power over others, their example respected, followed. Describes friendly reception missionaries. 1600 children baptized. Adults feared baptism because of epidemic (cocoliztli), which they equated with Sacrament. says Yaquis beginning to build Adobe homes. Also states Yaquis chose 12 sites for reduction 16,000 inhabitants to permanent settlements, 2 of which uncomfortable and will be reduced finally to 10. Nuris noted as friends of Yaquis, desirous of reduction as well to area with better land. Discusses desire other mountain groups for missionaries. Notes attempts to end indecent dances, drinking bouts, with fiestas de dios. Mentions Indians' preference for beef over wild game. says Yaquis now cutting hair shoulder length instead of wearing it long, customary among warriors. (T. Sheridan) (1976)
Persons
La Cruz, Diego de (Padre)
Pablo (Yaqui Leader)
Perez, Andres
Places
Mayo (Rio
Montesclaros
Serranias de Topia
Tesano
Ethnic Groups
Yaquis
Nebomes
Yaiamas (Guaymas-Seris)
Nures
Sues
Busos
Vacinoas
Tetaribes
Tehatas
Conicares
Tepahues
Warihios
First Location
CU-BANC. M-M 0227 pp. 0579-0583; 0943-0952
Original Location
CU-BANC. M-M 0227 Pp. 0579-0583; 093-0952
Other Location
CU-BANC. Memorias Para la Historia de la Provincia de Sinaloa
Language
Spanish
Notes
Excellent document
Batch Reference Number
1816
Rights
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Keywords
General Subjects