The Yanaconas were a hereditary class of Indian servants in South America. Early in the history of Spanish conquest, the King granted to his favorites an "encomienda," or rights to use a piece of land, recruit Indian labor, and collect taxes, as long as the encomendero resided on the land. Over time the rights were limited by the government, including the amount of tax, and the fact that the Yanaconas could not be taken and sold as slaves, but must remain as part of the specific piece of land.
Mizque, spelled Misque in the document, is now located in Bolivia; in 1734, however, it was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, which included much of South America. It was divided into subordinate areas, presidencies, each with its own governor, and administrative and judicial tribunal, or audiencia. The Viceroy was the Governor of the central presidency, and also the presidency of Charcos in which Mizque was located.
From the description of Petition, 1734, to the Marqués de Castelfuerte, Viceroy of Peru, on behalf of the tributary Yanaconas Indians, Jan. 6, 1754. (University of Arizona). WorldCat record id: 29452104
