Honor In Colonial Latin America Analysis

Since the period of conquest and colonization, Latin America has provided a site for the complex interaction of peoples of indigenous, European, and African descent. This triple cultural heritage has at varying points in Latin American history resulted in intricate socio- racial hierarchies that embraced racial heterogeneity in daily social practice. This sketch presents us with colonial Latin America in 1820, the sketch is composed of a Spanish man who we are able to conclude is well off economically. He seems to be the head of the household, this is noticed by his leadership position in the sketch and is followed by what seem to be his daughters, wife, Indian servants, and African slaves. Although, many might argue that this is a sketch is …show more content…
Mark A. Bukholder’s “Honor and Honors in Colonial Spanish America” explains how “honor embodied interrelated concepts of nobility, Catholicism, “pure blood lines,” privileges, precedence, title, office, form of address, dress, and the lifestyle of the conquistadors, first settlers and later Castilian emigrants carried to colonial Spanish America” (18). This is evident in this sketch, were the husband of the family stands tall as he parades around the community, he is followed by all these individuals who are loyal to him, these individuals represent his power. Not only is his honor showed in this sense, but also in the vestments he and his party are wearing. It is noticeable that his family, servants, and slaves are all extremely well dress thus propagating a sense of wealth and honor. Even the African slave towards the end of the line are dressed in nice garments, this shows the wealth and social standing of this family. Another important aspect is the color of the garments in the pictures. At a first glance what that resonates the most is the black garment worn by the Spaniard husband. It is a bold color, and this same concept of boldness follows the same demeanor that he is to have as well in defending his family, and his …show more content…
Wives had no political role, and needed their husband’s approval to make any contracts or make any transactions. Similarly, women were depicted as delicate individuals who needed to be cared for, and had two main roles, reproducing and nurturing their family. This aspect of women as nurturers it is evident to see how the Indian servants are all of females. The factor of fragility is depicted in the wife’s veil; this veil is a symbol of protection. Acting as a sign of respect for her husband, and guarding the husband’s prestige. This sketch is a vivid representation of how Latin Americans used race and gender as categories for which to organize society and to perpetrate honor. These social constructs shaped the experiences of men and women of different ethnic and socioeconomic