Abstract

As several studies have shown, the processes that developed in the Andean area at the end of the colonial period caused the weakening of the cacique figure in several localities. In the highlands of Arica, the ecclesiastical documentation of the doctrine of Belén, shows that along with the retreat of the cacique authority was experienced the strengthening of the indigenous chapter, whose members not only fulfilled political roles, but also performed religious functions. We intend to highlight the large number of local authorities that succeeded each other in positions between 1782 and 1813, in the doctrine of Belén, and then outline the various social, religious and economic aspects that surrounded the authorities of the people of Belén -cabecera of the doctrine- and Socoroma, trying to understand the antecedents and scope of its prestige and its peculiarities with respect to other indigenous leaders of the colonial period. Finally, we make an alternative proposal to the concept of cultural mediators, understanding this ethnic authorities as relational subjects.