Written between 1585 and 1613, Inca chronicler Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala’s The First New Chronicle and Good Government: On the History of the World and the Incas Up to 1615 details the history, culture, and lives of the Incas before and after the Spanish conquest. After the Spanish colonized the Andes, the Incas became subject to the Spaniards’ exploitation and abuse. The Incas were forced to labor, especially in the silver mines. The Spanish also imposed their religion and economics on the indigenous people. Through this chronicle, Guaman Poma provides an Inca perspective to colonial life under Spanish rule. The chronicle initially communicates the Incas’ tolerance for Spanish supremacy and adoption of Spanish culture; however, Guaman Poma …show more content…
He wrote this chronicle to inform the Spanish king about both Inca history and colonial life, so that the king would feel sympathy for the natives and issue a reorganization of the colony (De Ayala 7). Although he does not explicitly express his anger, Guaman Poma implies that the Spanish colonists take advantage of the Incas. However, in order to gain the favor of the colonists, he states that the chronicle also acts as a guide for the colonists because they committed many sins against the natives (De Ayala 9). Although the colonists are abusive, Guaman Poma’s tone is forgiving when he expresses, “This account had to be useful to faithful Christians to mend their ways, sinful lives, and correct their errors” (De Ayala 9). He acknowledges their tyranny; however, instead of chiding them, he urges them to repent for their sins. Furthermore, Guaman Poma alters his identity to charm the Spanish into reading his text and treating the Incas better. As an Inca living in colonial Peru, Guaman Poma should be biased towards his own people; however, he makes exceptions for the Spanish. He refers to himself as a royal vassal of the king, which establishes his acceptance of his subjection (De Ayala 5). He also identifies as a Christian, which strengthens his connection to the Spanish (Coronel-Molina 13). Thus, Guaman Poma