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The effectiveness of the mendicant orders in converting and baptizing Native Americans depends largely on the sources consulted. Consider, for example, Fray Diego Durán’s observations on the success of the “Spiritual Conquest.” In contrast, Native American sources challenge the extent to which the regular clergy succeeded in converting Indigenous peoples. Below are census records from Morelos dating between 1535 and 1540, a period when this region of Mexico was a central focus of the Spiritual Conquest. These records provide historians with valuable insights into household composition and the presence of Christianity within these communities. As you analyze these documents, consider what they reveal about Native American households. Consider the following questions:

• What is the typical size of a tlatoani’s household, and who comprises it?
• How does this compare to the size and composition of a commoner’s household?
• What indicators of baptism can be identified in these sources?
• How many members of a tlatoani’s household were baptized compared to those in a commoner’s household?
• If there is a difference, what might explain it?
• Finally, based on these documents, how effective was the Spiritual Conquest in Morelos? Beyond baptism, what additional insights do these records provide about Nahua households and their social structures?

Complete the Primary Source Analysis Form when finished for your records.

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THE BOOK OF TRIBUTES (Selections)

The ruler of the city-state of Huitzillan’s household

Here is an altepetl (city-state) whose name is Huitzillan […] [There are] [six?] groups of calpulli (kinship/residence group) members. Here is the one who governs there, the tlatoani [ruler] whose name is Don Tomás […]zatzin.

Here is his wife, whose name is Doña* María Tonallaxochiatl. Here are his children, seven of them. The first one is named Ana Tlaco, now ten years old. The second is named María Xocoyotl, now nine years old. The third is named Magdalena Tlaco, now eight years old. Here is the fourth, named Pedro Tecue[…], now seven years old. The fifth is named Pedro Omoacatl, now six years old. Here is the seventh, named Cocoliloc, now four years old. -Here is another of his children [separately engen-dered?], not baptized, named Cocoyotl, now two years old. Here are the concubines of Don Tomás, […] six of them. The first is named María Tlaco, the second is named Marta Xoco. The third, not yet baptized, is named Teicuh. The fourth, not baptized, is named Teicuh [sic]. The fifth, not baptized, is named Necahual. The sixth, baptized, is named Magdalena Teya[ca]pan.

Here are the dependents of the tlatoani Don Tomás. The first dependent person is not baptized, named Necahualli, a widow; three years ago her husband [died]. She has [two?] children. [The first?], not baptized, is named Teyacapa […] years old. [The second], not baptized, is named Ichpocton, now three years old. Here is the second dependent [of the tlatoani], named Xoco, now [ten years old?]. Here are the fields of Don Tomás, 800 [units of measure] of lordly land. And here is his tribute: every 80 days he delivers five Cuernavaca cloaks, [one good?] embroidered skirt, a thick tribute garment, no provisions of food, et cetera [sic]. In the residence of the tlatoani Don Tomás there are 20 people who are included in the tecpan [palace].”

Typical household in Huitzillan

Here is the home of one named Tomiyauh, not baptized. His wife is named Teicuh, not baptized. They have had no children. Here are his four younger siblings. The first is named Poton, not baptized. He has taken a wife. His wife is named Necahual, not baptized. They do not yet have children. They were married not long ago. The second of his younger siblings is named Acol, not baptized, born ten years ago. The third of his younger siblings is named Teicuh, not baptized. She is married. Her husband is named Huehuetl, not baptized. The fourth is named Xoco, not baptized, born seven years ago. Tomiyauih’s mother […], just an old woman. Here is one he maintains, named Teyacapan, not baptized. Her home is not far, there [i.e., nearby]. Here is his field: 20, 15 matl [unit of measure] wide. Here is his tribute: every 80 days he delivers on quarter-length of a cloak, so that in one year it is one whole Cuernavaca cloak. Here is his provisions tribute: one quarter-length of a narrow cloak, so that in one year it is one whole one; no tribute cloaks. That is all of his tribute. In addition, his younger siblings look for cotton [for?] his tribute. Ten are included; they are in one house.