What are encomeis?

Answer 1

Encomiendas were a system used during the Spanish colonization of the Americas, where Spanish settlers were granted the right to extract labor and tribute from Indigenous people in a specific area. In return, the encomenderos (landholders) were expected to provide protection and religious instruction to the Indigenous population. This system often led to severe exploitation and abuse, contributing to the decline of Indigenous populations. Encomiendas were eventually reformed and abolished due to their harsh impact.