Latin American Ethnohistory: The Scholarly Works of a Distinguished Historian
The study of ethnohistory—the intersection of historical analysis and anthropological methods—requires a meticulous approach to both archival documents and cultural contexts. The body of work presented here represents a comprehensive exploration of the Americas, focusing heavily on the transition of Mexico from a Spanish colony to a modern republic, the complexities of indigenous land rights, and the preservation of colonial records.
From detailed monographs on the geopolitical relationship between the United States and Mexico to the massive undertaking of the Handbook of Middle American Indians, these contributions provide a foundational framework for understanding the social and political evolution of Middle America.
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Key Facts
- Major Monographs: Authored seminal works on the US-Mexico relationship and the evolution of the Mexican Revolution.
- Ethnohistorical Leadership: Served as General Editor for the four-volume Guide to Ethnohistorical Sources within the Handbook of Middle American Indians (HMAI).
- Specialized Research: Conducted extensive studies on the Relaciones Geográficas (geographic reports from the Spanish Indies) and the works of Bernardino de Sahagún.
- Diverse Scope: Research spans from 16th-century cartography and indigenous land grants to 20th-century journalism.
Core Monographs and Research Reports
The primary literary contributions focus on the structural evolution of Mexico and the legal histories of indigenous populations. Notable monographs include The United States and Mexico (1953, revised 1966) and Mexico: Revolution to Evolution (1963), which analyze the political trajectory of the region.
In the realm of technical research, significant attention was paid to land tenure and colonial communities. This includes a two-volume technical report on Spanish and Mexican Land Grants and the Jicarilla Apache in New Mexico (1689-1848) for the Indian Claims Commission, as well as studies on colonial Indians in Florida between 1700 and 1821.
Edited Volumes and Collaborative Projects
Beyond individual authorship, the effort to systematize Latin American history is evident in several edited collections. A key achievement was the Guide to Ethnohistorical Sources (1972-76), a four-volume set that serves as a critical resource for researchers of Middle American Indians.
Other significant edited works include a two-volume set of essays on the study and teaching of Latin American History (1965) and the translation of Bernardino de Sahagún's 1585 revision of The Conquest of New Spain (1989).
Specialized Articles and Academic Contributions
The breadth of this scholarly output is most apparent in the numerous articles published across various academic journals. These can be categorized into several thematic areas:
Indigenous Studies and Archaeology
Research into the Chinantec people is a recurring theme, including archaeological excavations in Oaxaca (1951) and detailed ethnohistorical case studies on the ancient Chinantla. Other works explore the deities of the Lacandon Indians and the social structures of the terrasgueros of Guelatao.
Cartography and Colonial Records
A significant portion of the research focuses on 16th-century maps and reports. This includes analyses of the Patiño Maps (1580), the Ortelius Maps of New Spain (1579), and the Oztoticpac Lands Map of Texcoco (1540). Extensive work was also dedicated to the Relaciones Geográficas, providing annotated bibliographies and censuses of these Spanish colonial documents.
Political and Social History
The writings also touch upon the spirit of enterprise in Yucatán, the role of the Latin American Studies Association, and the intersection of journalism and politics through studies of Benjamin Orange Flower and The Arena.
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Summary of Major Publications
| Category | Key Work/Topic | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Monographs | The United States and Mexico | International Relations |
| Monographs | Mexico: Revolution to Evolution | Political Evolution |
| Edited Volumes | Guide to Ethnohistorical Sources (HMAI) | Middle American Indians |
| Research Reports | Spanish and Mexican Land Grants | Jicarilla Apache / New Mexico |
| Specialized Study | Relaciones Geográficas | Spanish Colonial Administration |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the Handbook of Middle American Indians (HMAI) contributions?
The contributions to the HMAI, specifically the Guide to Ethnohistorical Sources, focus on providing a systematic directory of sources for studying the indigenous peoples of Middle America, including detailed sections on the Chinantec and the works of Sahagún.
What are the Relaciones Geográficas?
The Relaciones Geográficas were detailed geographic and descriptive reports commissioned by the Spanish Crown between 1577 and 1648 to gather information about the territories of the Spanish Indies.
Which indigenous groups were specifically studied in the research reports?
The research specifically highlights the Jicarilla Apache in New Mexico, the Chinantec of Oaxaca, the Lacandon Indians of Chiapas, and the colonial Indian communities of Florida.
Did the author's work extend beyond history into other fields?
Yes, the work encompasses archaeology (specifically in Oaxaca), cartography (analyzing 16th-century maps), and journalism (studying the publication The Arena).
Who was Bernardino de Sahagún in the context of this work?
Bernardino de Sahagún was a colonial scholar whose works on the conquest and culture of New Spain were translated and analyzed as part of the edited volumes and ethnohistorical guides.