Indigenous Modernities and the Performance of the Music of Bolivian Mission Archives the Ensamble Moxos

The performance practices of the Ensamble Moxos, an Indigenous ensemble from Bolivia's Jesuit missions, defy conventional categorization as either 'traditional' or 'modern.' This study reveals how their interpretations of 17th-century Baroque mission music—preserved in Chiquitos and Moxos archives since the Jesuits' expulsion in 1767—reflect Indigenous experiences of modernity and cultural identity. By analyzing repertoire performed by Ensamble Moxos, the research demonstrates that these practices embody a unique 'Indigenous modernity,' blending historical continuity with contemporary globalization. The study highlights the resilience of mission music as both a tool for evangelization and a living tradition, offering insight into the complexities of Indigenous engagement with globalized modernity.

Villamizar Rodriguez, M. Indigenous Modernities and the Performance of the Music of Bolivian Mission Archives the Ensamble Moxos. https://doi.org/10.22215/etd/2014-10556