Los viajes de los indios de Portoviejo a la Corte española. Conflictos interétnicos y territoriales

Abstract

This  paper  presents  a  general  characterization  of  the  Indians  of  Portoviejo,  the central area ofthe Ecuadorian coast, throughout the colonial period. The author analyzes the reactions of indigenous groups to the regulations of the colonial administration and the frequent disputes with the white and mestizo populations in the region over territorial control and labor rights. Next, the article describes some of  the  voyages  that  certain  ethnic  authorities  undertook  to  Spain,  seeking  that their complaints and demands were heard directly by the King and his court.