The decline of the native population following the Spanish conquest of New Spain in 1521; among other factors; led to an increased demand for African slaves to add to the labor force and bolster the colonial economy. Approximately two hundred thousand Africans were imported into Mexico from Spain and from West and West Central Africa during the course of the slave trade.These "Afro-Mexicans" encompassed a great variety of individuals and experiences whose ritual lives differed as much as their backgrounds. Some were Christians who took communion; confessed; and celebrated Mass. Some were blasphemers who were denounced to the Inquisition. Still others were practitioners of mystical rites meant to cure illness; attract lovers; or control owners.Focusing on the time period from the intensification of slave importation in 1580 to approximately 1700; Joan Bristol presents information from Mexican Inquisition documents. Christians; Blasphemers; and Witches explores how Afro-Mexicans worked within the limitations imposed on them by the Church and the Spanish Crown in order to develop relationships with peers and superiors; defend themselves against unjust treatment; make money; and gain prestige on the local level.
#2339283 in Books University of Missouri 1999-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .70 x 6.00l; 1.02 #File Name: 0826212603147 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Connecting Past and PresentBy K. A. Kelly"Fron Whence Cometh My Help" is a wonderful and astounding combination of historical research and personal search. Ms. Smith uncovers a part of the past long hidden (the story of the African-American community that has been part of Hollins College--and separate from it--since the founding of the college) and shows us that how we understand the past is deeply affected by the search itself. In the course of the book; we meet some extraordinary people and see clearly the many tangled connections of past and present. Ms. Smith's dedication in telling this story is matched only by her honesty in how she tells it. A compelling book; with a title that keeps revealing new meanings with each chapter.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. A Different Kind of HistoryBy VirginiadinosaurEthel Morgan Smith digs for history where the written record is slim...bringing to light the life and times of the Hollins Community; where blacks lived in service to nearby Hollins College (now Hollins University). The college's founder brought with him 16 slaves when he set up shop on the outskirts of Roanoke in the early 1800's. Civil War brought freedom; but blacks continued to serve the college in anonymity and in poverty for decades to come. Many current black retirees lack a benefits package. With written records so hard to come by; Smith focuses on oral history to bring the community to life. The result is a book intertwining historical record with personal narrative. It is a tale both sad and glorious; and her work is a tribute to the women and men of the Hollins Community.
