The Most Ancient Representations of Cusco: Sacred Affairs and Cultural Dynamics in the First Colonial Phase

Abstract

In Cusco, after its colonization, the Spaniards favor the establishment of religious orders, to evangelize the indigenous people. The city begins to develop in direct relationship with churches and convents, new sacred poles of reference in colonial urbanization.

The first views of Cusco are only metaphorical. However, a map of 1643 describes some suburbs destined to the natives, built in the sixteenth century, belonging to the parishes of the Hospital de los Naturales and Santa Ana.

The parish priest of Santa Ana shows this picture as an evidential document for a dispute between the two parishes; the author is probably a native artist. The proportions between the blocks and the streets appear blurred, but probably according to a request of the client himself to add handwritten notes in support of his thesis. It is a graphic document with a surprising artistic value, superior to its practical purpose.

Beside the spiritual aspects, within the parish the Indians are also educated in the design and in the aesthetic aspects. Therefore,     professional figures were formed to make up for the shortage of architects in the New World. The enthusiasm of the designer of the 1643 plan denotes an interest in architecture, typical of the inherent creativity of the many natives involved in the construction sector, a prerequisite for the development of a genuine Baroque expression, especially following the earthquake of 1650.