An Indian Cacique on the Island of Cuba

This image comes from November 18^th, 1794, and was made by Benjamin West and Francesco Bartolozzi. It depicts Christopher Columbus and other Spanish sailors making first contact with indigenous peoples after their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The picture was made through engraving, which is a long process, though there is no explanation to why it was done that way. Though the picture itself was made in England, it shows us a lot about the Encounter period of Latin American history, which lasted from about 1492-1600.

There are many important objects and symbols displayed here. First, we can see the difference in the clothing between the Spaniards and the indigenous people, the Spanish were much wealthier and hence wore much nicer clothes. Second, we can see the fruits in the hands of the indigenous people, which look like they’re being offered as a gift upon first meeting the Spanish; in later centuries, fruit became one of Latin Americas most important exports. Third, there crucifixes in the background, showing the Spaniards Catholic mission. They came to Latin America in the quest for the New World, but also to spread their religion, which they did successfully because Catholicism is still a main religion in many parts of Latin America to this day. Though this image seems peaceful, encounters between Europeans and indigenous people were often violent, as the Europeans treated the indigenous peoples very poorly, sometimes even committing mass killings so they could have their land. This picture provides important historic insight on the interactions between the Europeans and indigenous peoples and how they led to important facets of Latin American life we see today.

Works Cited:

West, Benjamin, and Francesco Bartolozzi. “An Indian Cacique on the Island of Cuba.”