What is encomiendor?

Answer 1

An encomendero was a Spanish settler in the Americas who was granted the right to extract labor and tribute from indigenous people in a specific area, under the encomienda system established during the colonization of the New World. This system aimed to provide protection and religious instruction to the indigenous population in exchange for their labor and resources. However, it often led to the exploitation and mistreatment of native peoples, contributing to significant demographic and cultural changes in the regions affected. The encomienda system was eventually reformed due to its abuses, but its legacy impacted colonial societies.