Abstract

This study examines the historical relationship between Comcáac foragers of Sonora, Mexico, and the Spanish/Mexican society between 1650 and 1850. To do so, the concept of trust is introduced, adapted for ethnohistorical research, and discussed as a frequent term in the primary sources. The social organization of foragers is outlined to localize the place of trust within it and to analyze its meaning for interethnic relations. Finally, historical examples are given throughout the article to illustrate and expand the theoretical findings. This article highlights the nonviolent relations in contrast to the commonplace view of perennial conflict between the societies, as given in secondary literature, and aims to provide an alternative reading of this particular ethnohistory.

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