encomenderos

Encomenderos were Spanish colonists in the Americas, primarily during the 16th century, who were granted the right to extract labor and tribute from Indigenous people in a specific area. This system, known as the encomienda, was intended to ensure the protection and Christianization of Indigenous communities in exchange for their labor and resources. While encomenderos were supposed to care for and educate the Indigenous people, the system often led to exploitation and harsh treatment. This practice played a significant role in the colonization process and had lasting impacts on Indigenous societies and cultures.