“The reason why ‘Indians’ [are] dying,” explained a respected community leader, also condemned as a ‘witch-dogmatist,’ [is] because they no longer adore their malguis [ancestors] and guacas like their elders formerly did, which is why there used to be so many “Indians” who had more fields and clothing and who lived in greater tranquility” (Silverblatt 196).
In the seventeenth century Andes, indigenous people faced immense challenges, including high death rates, loss of land, and lack of resources. Amidst this turmoil, they turned to their ancestral beliefs and practices to find strength and resilience. This is where Indianism came in, a powerful movement that encouraged Andeans to reclaim their traditional ways and reject the Spanish colonizers’ influence. Silverblatt’s writings highlight how important it was for these communities to stick to their beliefs to hang onto their mental and physical health.
Community leaders at the time believed that the reason for their suffering was their abandonment of the gods and rituals of their ancestors in favor of the foreign gods of the Spanish. They thought that by returning to their old ways of worship, they could restore their community’s well-being. This wasn’t just about spirituality; it was also about keeping their culture and identity alive. The Andean way of life was deeply connected to their beliefs, influencing everything from their social structures to their farming practices. Sticking to these traditions likely helped them feel stable and connected, even in chaotic times.
Indianism brought people together, crossing social and gender lines. It united different parts of the Andean population under a common goal of justice and cultural revival. This unity was crucial for their survival, as it reinforced their shared identity and purpose. Even though the Spanish tried to impose their gods, Indianism persisted as a form of cultural resistance. By holding onto their traditions, the Andeans were able to preserve their sense of self and resist the psychological impact of colonialism.
Today, indigenous communities around the world face similar struggles. They deal with the pressures of modern society, loss of land, and threats to their traditional ways of life. The story of the Andeans reminds us of the importance of maintaining cultural practices. These traditions are not just about the past; they provide a sense of identity and resilience that can help communities navigate the challenges of today. For indigenous peoples, holding onto their beliefs and practices can be a powerful way to maintain mental, spitirual, and physical health, offering comfort and strength in difficult times.
This historical example shows us that cultural heritage is vital. It’s a source of strength and stability that can help people stay connected to their roots and face the future with confidence.
Questions: What are some of the consequences of claiming an ‘othering’ identity? Are they different if the identity is imposed on an individual?
3 replies on “Becoming Indian: Claiming Identity”
I think part of what Silverblatt gets across in her text is that part of this Indigenous and Incan identity became most prominent when Spanish cultural domination threatened the way of life they previously held. From my understanding, the primary source of identity came from the ayllus that one came from. It’s interesting how cultural heritage plays into the role of ‘othering’, I think it is fundamental in the resistance and preservation of something. However, the ‘claiming’ of identity is what piqued my interest in Silverblatt’s text. Yes, identity is something that helps to reinforce cultural roots, but given the benevolence and animosity towards the Incas, it is interesting how this ‘claiming’ goes about.
Hi Andree!
Your question really made me think about the concept of “reclaiming” — of taking back a word or term essentially used to “other” people. In this case, the concept of reclaiming doesn’t entirely apply because there is no taking back- the concept of the Indian in Peru requires the concept of the Spanish (or Mestizo) and wasn’t considered before the Spanish came. After all, labels wouldn’t exist if everyone were the same. Everyone would just simply exist. Essentially, Indigenous peoples are claiming the term “Indian” for themselves because now, it is something that does describe them as a group- they all share a history on this land, and therefore, a history of imposition by the Spanish. I suppose that by claiming the words “Indian” or “Indigenous,” they can group themselves together to fight against the Spanish impositions all of them were subject to.
“Today, indigenous communities around the world face similar struggles.” Given the terrible attacks that Indigenous communities receive in different areas of the world, Hugo Blanco’s vision is hopeful. Firstly, because he maintains that there are similarities in the local struggles of the past, and reconnected solidarities in the idea of the Indigenous future. In this type of visions we can see examples of those who claim an ‘othering’ identity with all its effects.