José de Acosta

José de Acosta (1540–1600) was a Spanish Jesuit missionary and scholar who studied and documented the cultures, religions, and peoples of the Americas during the colonial period. His work provided valuable insights into indigenous societies, promoting understanding and respectful dialogue. Acosta was also a theologian and historian, contributing to debates on colonization and Christianity’s role in the New World. His writings are considered early examples of ethnography, blending religious perspectives with observations of native traditions, and remain influential in the fields of history, anthropology, and colonial studies.