Initial, keeping independent ethnic/racial identities assisted Spaniards and you can mestizos when you look at the keeping power over indigenas
I discover that it just like the a form of cultural opposition for three causes
The construction and you can control of ethnicity during the mestizo-indigenous electricity affairs was really-documented because of the Zoila Mendoza (2000) and you may 
Thomas Turino (1993) within the Peru, where in fact the historical and you will cultural state is much like you to in Ecuador. Emphasizing racial or ethnic variations supported so you’re able to naturalize and legitimize the fresh oppression and you can exploitation of indigenas. Considering Mendoza, “[colonial] regulators was basically in search of remaining as often of your people as the you can easily categorized underneath the Indian casta while they you’ll assemble taxes from them and get use of its work” (Mendoza ). Turino demonstrates to you one to:
There have been of several injuries and i was told that it’s not uncommon for one otherwise a couple in order to die each year
this new ‘Indian’ identity is actually partially built and you will maintained by colonial and you may republican says, and by members of local elites, so you’re able to keep up with the native segment of the society because the serfs, while the a work force toward mines, as well as tribute commission. Someone and you may social means recognized as ‘Indian’ were methodically broke up out, marginalized, and you will oppressed because of the county and local elites for much of Peru’s record. (more…)