The encomienda in colonial Paraguay and Ordenanzas de Alfaro of 1611-1612

Abstract

The project here presented has as object of study the Ordenanzas de Alfaro, a document produced by the ombudsman of the Audience of Charcas, Don Francisco de Alfaro, in 1611-1612. This document was originated from one of Alfaro's visits to the region, which covers the Provinces of Paraguay and River Plate and Tucumán. The visit was held with the intention to cognize and evaluate the local reality for the publication of the ordenanzas, which aimed to regulate the utilization of indigenous labour from the encomiendas. Thus, the proposal is to analyse this important document, pursuing the understanding of the meaning of the ordenanzas and the evidences from its author's trajectory. Furthermore, it is intended to accomplish a systematic literature review of the circumstances involving its production, considering the occupation logic established in Paraguay by that time and the specific dynamics from that regional settlement.