Paper short abstract:

Early Christianity in Atacama was incorporated among already existing religious practices, generating a religious behaviour adapted to the requirements of the conquerors and to ritual needs of agro-pastoral communities. These rites can be appreciated in several 17th C extirpation of idolatry trials.

Paper long abstract:

Although documentation on Christianization in Atacama is scarce, we know it began before permanent Spanish administration was established in the area. Early Christianity was probably incorporated as one more religious practice among the others already existing, generating a religious behaviour adapted both to the requirements of the conquerors and to the ritual needs of the agro-pastoral communities. These rites can be appreciated in several 17th century extirpation of idolatry trials, which strengthened the role of the Church as propitiators of fertility and abundance.