Blackness and Blurred Boundaries in Mexico City

Joan C. Bristol

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Chapter 3 Blackness and Blurred Boundaries in Mexico City

In: A Companion to Viceregal Mexico City, 1519-1821

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Joan C. Bristol

Joan C. Bristol
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 76–94

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004335578_005

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Abstract

Viceregal Mexico City’s African-descent population was greater than its Spanish population and this Afro-Mexican population had a significant impact on the city. Colonial documents reveal that people labeled negro and mulato participated in every aspect of colonial urban society, from baptisms to bread riots. This chapter describes Black and Mulatto participation in Mexico City’s religious life by examining practices ranging from orthodox Catholicism to practices that Spanish authorities defined as “witchcraft”. Religious practices provide lenses to explore social relationships and ideas about identity based in conceptions of race and ethnicity. What becomes clear is that the urban environment facilitated identity creation along racial and ethnic lines as well as social mixing that complicated these identities. This chapter shows that as Blacks and Mulattos participated in viceregal urban life, they came in contact with and forged relationships with all members of society and participated in all aspects of urban society.

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A Companion to Viceregal Mexico City, 1519-1821

Series: Brill's Companions to the Americas, Volume: 3

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004335578

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 09 Aug 2021

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Chapter 3 Blackness and Blurred Boundaries in Mexico City

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A Companion to Viceregal Mexico City, 1519-1821

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