Salvajes y chichimecas: Mitos de alteridad en las fuentes novohispanas

Abstract

We call myths of alterity to traditional beliefs that a people uses in its ethnocentric view over other people. Following the proposal of Roger Bartra, we examined some chronicles of New Spain to prove that European myths of alterity relating to the savage man influenced the descriptions that we have about the indigenous Mesoamerican peoples known as Chichimecs. Finally, we offer our reflections about the use and scope of these myths of alterity in relation to European expansion in America, and the methodological need of submit to criticism the information offered by the available sources. We have to remember that they was produced in the context of a global process of colonial acculturation.