Pre-Columbian Societies & Spanish Colonial Administration
Pre-Columbian Societies
Pre-Agricultural Peoples: These groups were in an archaic state of evolution, leading a nomadic life in constant search of food. Two subgroups can be identified:
Fishing Villages
Known as “sea nomads,” these people roamed the shores of Chile from north to south. Examples include the Chonos, Alacalufes, and Yagan.
Hunter-Gatherers
Also called “land nomads,” these groups inhabited territories including Tierra del Fuego. Their main food source was guanaco hunting, supplemented by gathering wild fruits and roots. Examples include the Chiquillanes, Tehuelches, Pehuenches, Puelches, Poyas, and Ona.
Agricultural and Pottery-Making Peoples
In the northern and central parts of Chile, some groups successfully transitioned from nomadic life by adopting agricultural techniques and animal domestication. These groups did not all reach the same level of development, leading to two subgroups:
Agricultural Peoples
Primarily occupying the central region, these people used simple cultivation techniques and irrigation to grow crops for subsistence. This group includes the Picunches, Mapuche, and Huilliches.
Agro-Pottery Peoples
Also called “advanced farmers,” these people developed sophisticated agricultural techniques such as terracing and irrigation canals. Prominent agro-pottery cultures include the Atacameños, Aymara, and Diaguitas.
Spanish Colonial Administrative System
The Spanish colonial administrative system had two levels:
Metropolitan Agencies
These agencies operated in Spain and were directly related to the Spanish Crown. The two main agencies were:
Council of the Indies
Founded in 1503, this council was based in Cadiz and responsible for policy and legal issues. Its duties included revising laws applied in America, suggesting candidates for colonial positions, overseeing the work of authorities, and implementing judgments of residence (juicios de residencia) for all authorities at the end of their terms.
Casa de Contratación (House of Trade)
Created in 1519 and based in Seville, this agency was responsible for economic affairs, such as controlling cargo and passengers circulating between Spain and America. It granted permits for travel to America, developed navigation maps, and collected the quinto real (royal fifth), a 20% tax on goods entering or leaving Spain. These agencies allowed the Spanish Crown to maintain a centralized government and exercise a trade monopoly over America.
Land Agencies
These agencies were based in America and obeyed orders from Spain. The main authorities were:
Viceroyalties
These were the largest territorial units in America, headed by a viceroy who directly represented the king. The main American viceroyalties were New Spain (Mexico and Central America), New Granada (Colombia and Venezuela), Peru (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile), and the Rio de la Plata (Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay).
Governorships (Gobernaciones)
These were territorial spaces within the viceroyalties, led by a governor in pacified territories or by a captain general in war zones.
Real Audiencia (Royal Audience)
This was the highest court of justice, consisting of the governor, four judges (oidores), and other minor officials. It oversaw the conduct of public officials, protected indigenous people through laws, and addressed matters affecting the state. In Chile, the first Audiencia was established in Concepción in 1567, later moving to Santiago in 1609.
Cabildos (Municipal Councils)
These were municipal institutions representing the interests of the community, consisting of two mayors (alcaldes), four councilmen (regidores), and other minor officials. They controlled cleanliness, public order, prices and weights in the market, and collected taxes from residents engaged in trade.