Wills and mortuaries recorded in the Asiento de San Luis de Otavalo in the 16th and 17th centuries

Abstract

This article examines the wills and mortuary documents recorded in the Puesto de San Luis de Otavalo between the 16th and 17th centuries, using the First and Second Notaries' Collection. Through a thematic analysis, the study breaks down the legal, religious, property, and heir aspects, revealing the practices and concerns of the time. The influence of the Hispanic tradition in the form and content of these documents is highlighted, reflecting the prevailing customs and religious beliefs of the colonial period. The research provides a deep insight into how law, religion, and property management were intertwined in the life and death of the inhabitants of Otavalo, thus offering a window into their complex social and existential realities. This documentary review contributes to a richer understanding of the historical and cultural context of the region during these centuries.