Ruben Cobos, 1974, recorder
File — Box: 3, CD: 246
Scope and Contents
Frances Leon Swadesh, Ethno historian, interview. At New Mexico Folklore Society, 1974, when John Donald Robb was President. 1. Discussion of genizaros and cautivos (in English, Native American Indian captives, in Spanish colonial society, ethnic labels, caste identities changed over time, discusses her encounter with people in Lower Chama Valley, San Juan Basin, New Mexico, who had ancestors that were genizaros on reservation. Genizaro is a non Pueblo Indian, ransom captive of nomadic tribes, placed in colonial households, Spanish was the common language 1740s, genizaros call for rights, government offers land grants on the frontier of New Mexico in exchange for military service. Tome and Abiquiu are founded. Father Chavez notes how other Native American Indians joined genizaros. For Pueblos, the term became derogatory, used today (1974) by Hispanics to mean unmannerly, we must remember their history. 1743 some Hopis and other tribes (Zuni, Isleta, Santa Clara) in Abiquiu and Ojo Caliente. 1750s resettlement of Abiquiu, grant for Franciscan mission, made without records of grantees, some adopt the surnames of settlers, Martin, Trujillo, some surnames are possibly combined: Tale, Pineda, Chino etc. Transition in early nineteenth century from genizaro status to vecino status,Spanish word meaning land owning, neighbors. Manuel Mestas, genizaro trader from Abiquiu, New Mexico, who was eventually paid to interpret for the Utes. The Muniz brothers are others, who traded contraband, captives, tobacco and stolen livestock. 1822 these people gain citizenship status, but the term remains negative. 1779 they become known as brave fighters. Jose Gonzales, son of a Taos pueblo woman and genizaro father, becomes governor in 1837 Chimayo revolt. Cautivos, many captives taken by Spanish and nomadic Native American Indians, preference for woman and children. Some are returned and serve as strategists and interpreters because they knew both cultures, languages, this made them valuable. Captives marry, have children, assimilation, some examples include Felipe Barazcas?, son of Ute leader, marries Porcidia Valdez? Intermarriages, examples. Cautivo runaways, some return. Conclusion, New Mexico had open society, with possibility for shifts in status, culture, etc., flexibility is contrasted to criollos of Mexico).
Dates
- 1944-1974
Language of Materials
From the Collection:
English, Spanish
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Extent
From the Collection: 13 boxes (12.25 cu. ft.)
Creator
- From the Collection: Cobos, Rubén (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451