Cacique
Cacique is a term originally used in the Caribbean to denote tribal chiefs among the Arawak Indigenous Peoples. Upon the arrival of the Spanish, the term was adapted and employed to refer to various leaders with differing levels of authority throughout Spanish America. While the term is primarily associated with the Caribbean, it was also embraced by the Eastern Pueblo peoples of North America, particularly along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. In this context, a cacique is understood as a male leader who holds both religious and secular responsibilities within the community.
The role of the cacique has roots in indigenous governance, specifically evolving from the traditional title of peace leader. Contemporary caciques are tasked with important duties such as presiding over religious ceremonies, managing agricultural rights, representing the Pueblo in external affairs, and training future leaders. The power and influence of a cacique can vary significantly, reflecting the diverse cultural practices and governance structures of Indigenous communities. This multifaceted role highlights the significance of leadership in maintaining social cohesion and cultural identity among the tribes.
Cacique
- TRIBES AFFECTED: Tribes of Spanish America
- SIGNIFICANCE: Originally a term applied to Caribbean tribal chiefs, “cacique” was adopted by the Eastern Pueblo peoples, to whom it designates a religious-secular office
In the Caribbean, the Spanish encountered Arawak Indigenous Peoples, who applied the term “cacique” to their chiefs. The Spanish subsequently used the term wherever they went to designate leaders with varying degrees of authority. Among North American Indigenous Peoples, the term was adopted only by the Eastern Pueblo nations along the Rio Grande of New Mexico. There, it referred to the male religious-secular leader of a community. The Puebloan cacique was probably an outgrowth of an indigenous office, namely the peace leader of the community, whose title and duties were modified by the Spanish. The contemporary cacique represents the Pueblo as a whole and is said to have the duty of “looking after the people.” This entails presiding at various religious ceremonies, allocating certain rights to agricultural fields, representing the Pueblo in dealings with outsiders, and appointing and training one’s successor. The degree of power wielded by a cacique varies.
Bibliography
"About Us – Santa Ana Pueblo." Santa Ana Pueblo, santaana-nsn.gov/about. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
LaVigna, Maria. "Seven Centuries of Tradition: The Pueblo of San Juan." Smithsonian Institution, festival.si.edu/articles/1978/seven-centuries-of-tradition-the-pueblo-of-san-juan. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
Romancito, Rick. "Taos Pueblo Mourns Passing of Cacique." Taos News, 21 Dec. 2023, www.taosnews.com/news/local-news/taos-pueblo-mourns-passing-of-cacique/article‗f85d27b0-e641-526e-a7e9-ed86b186aa2b.html. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.