The heraldic imagination in XVIth century Spain. The arms of the caciques and the American charges

Abstract

23 coats of arms granted by the Spanish crown to the indigenous auxiliaries of the conquistadores and the descendants of the deposed aztec and inca rulers are analyzed, characterized by: 1) novel charges of autochthonous inspiration (geographical accidents, flora and fauna, constructions and products of the local industry); 2) totemic marks and badges of the native sovereigns and caciques converted into heraldic charges which adequately accomplished their previous identifying function in the new plastic context; 3) a definite preference for naturalistic representations starting from the middle years of the XVIth century.