The Architecture of Conquest

The Architecture of Conquest deals with the practice and ideology of colonial architecture in Latin America, referring particularly to the Viceroyalty of Peru during the period 1535–1635. Colonial building has generally been regarded as being merely a provincial reflection of mainstream European art. Valerie Fraser argues that, on the contrary, it had its own distinct identity and architectural projects were a powerful tool in the subjugation of the native peoples of South America by the Spaniards. Although the majority of labourers and craftsmen responsible for the churches, towns and cities of the Spaniards were natives, very little evidence of their own traditions of craftsmanship can be found in this colonial architecture. Thus, while the architecture forms employed by the early conquistadores are clearly derived from the European tradition, their purpose and meaning are completely different, being defined by the colonial context. The deliberate display of architectural motifs, the organisation of building practice and labour are all shown to have served the ends of the political, religious and economic conquest.