The taking of possession in New Spain ritual, symbolism and justification of dominion.

In 1598, Juan de Oñate took possession of lands in the north of the viceroyalty of New Spain. This act not only implied a legal procedure, but also a symbolic strategy to legitimize the dominion over territories already inhabited by indigenous peoples. In this article we analyze the context, the ritual and its implications, highlighting the tensions between the Castilian imperial order and indigenous ways of life and organization.  See the complete article here:The taking of possession in New Spain: ritual, symbolism and justification of dominion.