Jesuit ranches heritage of nueva Andalucía and territory articulation. A case for management, preservation and reactivation

Abstract

This work addresses the study of Spanish-American heritage in 17th century Jesuit ranches in Córdoba of Nueva Andalucía, and their territory articulation, with reference to Andalusian counterparts. We aim to evaluate the development of the settlements, the heritage continuity from the Hispanic peninsular aspect, vernacular cultural elements in their establishment and the characterization of the support environment. We seek to research into management mechanisms to reactivate the objects of study and their territory. We used a mixed methodology with studies of: comparative historical patterns of peninsular and American territories; founding backgrounds; territorial analysis through GIS systems; comparative studies of Jesuit establishments in Europe and America; productive systems of Jesuit haciendas and estancias; and resulting architectural developments. Finally, the heritage significance to date, with an understanding of Jesuit decadence factors, is analysed. The large Jesuit territory in Córdoba of Nueva Andalucía [today Argentina] controlled the South American hinterland as geopolitical hub through which passengers and merchandise crossed on the Potosí - Buenos Aires route, and towards Lima, Guayrá and Chile, where the Society of Jesus was. The conditions of the region replicated those of Andalusia and became a familiar framework for the conquerors, who were native of that region. The territory additionally met the conditions sought by the Jesuit fathers for their foundations. The Jesuit settlements followed the Crown’s policies regarding evangelization of indigenous peoples but were also based on objectives of territorial occupation and liaison with European centres [Seville, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz, etc.]. Jesuit heritage, nowadays recognized by UNESCO, is essentially monumental. However, the importance of the supporting territory, plus the cultural landscape, essential items of the heritage baggage, need to be valued, listed and catalogued. A rational structuring of these heritage elements within an updated management framework would allow more rigorous and profound actions for future conservation and reactivation.