This account of the native peoples of Ecuador in the sixteenth and seventeenth century shows how they not only resisted; adapted; and survived Spanish colonization but reinvented themselves as a culture. Offered are both a revisionist treatment of the demographic history of Amerindian Ecuador and a clearer understanding of North Andean ethnogenesis. Powers's study of Andean population movements in the Audiencia of Quito from 1535 to 1700 shows that native migrations account for a population increase in Quito during a time when contiguous areas experienced a rapid decline in Indian population.Beyond reconstructing the movement of the native peoples; Powers also explores how migration changed the lives of Indians and Spaniards. The migratory flow from native communities to Spanish cities; textile mills; and haciendas resulted in a constantly mutating colonial world. For elite Spaniards; the migrations meant the near collapse of the tribute and forced labor system; while nonelite Spaniards were able to take advantage of the alternative labor supplied by the migrant Indians; resulting in social mobility and the formation of new classes. For Indians; the migrations were initially a survival strategy but ended in the decline of the traditional chiefdom. A key finding of the study is that Ecuadorean Indians achieved cultural survival by reconstructing Andean lifeways inside the sites to which they migrated.
#1474035 in Books 2013-11-30 2013-11-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .90 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 082483898X320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Academic discussion of reformers in several Buddhist orders in JapanBy Sitting in SeattleAs a Buddhist practitioner who also is a researcher; I found this book to be interesting. However it is likely to appeal to a rather narrow; largely academic audience.The book is based on primarily ethnographic and interview research with Buddhist priests in Japan who are experimenting with innovations in their parishes. It discusses -- for instance -- variations on funeral services such as priests ordered online; teaching meditation classes to foreigners; and other such practices that attempt to reform some of Buddhism's image in Japan.It's important to know that it is largely descriptive of a relatively self-selected sample (those who agreed to be interviewed); includes several different Buddhist orders (pure land and others; not just Zen); and focuses on practical "business" aspects instead of the spiritual dimensions. It presents these from a completely academic perspective. (I seem to recall that the author mentions along the way that he is not a Buddhist practitioner.)It also focuses extremely heavily on the funereal aspects of Buddhism in Japan (Buddhism is associated mostly with funerals); and relatively little with other aspects such as meditation. That seems to be completely appropriate for the culture; just something to be aware of.As a work of ethnography and description of what is happening with temples attempting to stay relevant in Japan; I found it to be quite interesting. However; I think anyone looking for more than that -- for example; looking for spiritual insight; looking for ideas about potential Buddhist reform in other cultures besides Japan; or looking for a work for non-academic audiences -- may not find what they're seeking.On the other hand; if you're interested in academic Buddhism; ethnography; and Japan; you'll find it quite readable and thought provoking.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy E. L. PORTALGood book
