The Architecture of Conquest deals with the practice and ideology of
colonial architecture in Latin America, referring particularly to the
Viceroyalty of Peru during the period 1535-1635. Colonial building has
generally been regarded as being merely a provincial reflection of
mainstream European art. Valerie Fraser argues that, on the contrary, it
had its own distinct identity and architectural projects were a powerful
tool in the subjugation of the native peoples of South America by the
Spaniards. Although the majority of labourers and craftsmen responsible
for the churches, towns and cities of the Spaniards were natives, very
little evidence of their own traditions of craftsmanship can be found in
this colonial architecture. Thus, while the architecture forms employed
by the early conquistadores are clearly derived from the European
tradition, their purpose and meaning are completely different, being
defined by the colonial context. The deliberate display of architectural
motifs, the organisation of building practice and labour are all shown
to have served the ends of the political, religious and economic
conquest.