La aristocracia del pueblo: caciques advenedizos de Tlalnepantla, México, siglo XVIII

Abstract

Indigenous nobility of New Spain was almost always linked to pre-Hispanic lineages, who had to political on certain villages. These characters were recognized in society as colonial caciques. During the 18th century, however, not all individuals who received this name had a noble origin. This article discusses behaviors and mechanisms of power had two caciques advenedizos in the cabecera of Tlalnepantla, current state of Mexico. Appointment of chief received him for having served as Governor the Otomi or Mexicans, the two ethnic groups that inhabited this cabecera. His conduct was frequently confronted to the well-being of the town common, but always had a group that supported them to perpetuate in power. This article made a reflection on the transformation that suffered the “cacique” term in the peoples of Mexico, until it became a category that identifies the men with a factual power in their localities.

Keywords

• New Spain
• colonial caciques
• Indian pueblos
• lineages
• Mexico’s State