i6 INDIAN COMMUNITIES OF BOLIVIA 



contain the largest number of communities, having 12, 14, and 14, 

 respectively. Illustrative of how lightly the Indian regards any 

 measures taken by the Republic of Bolivia is the fact that, though 

 the town of Umala was separated from Sicasica by the govern- 

 ment and was made into a pueblo with distinct jurisdiction, the 

 aboriginal population of both towns refuse to recognize the 

 partition, keeping up their original communal arrangement, 

 administering their lands as a unit, and feeding their flocks on 

 common ground as formerly.^* 



In this province there is an example of the odds against which 

 the Indians have to contend in the tenacious effort to cling to 

 their lands. In 1718 and again in 1744 the Indians of the canton 

 of Ayoayo bought back from the Crown of Spain the lands of 

 which they had been despoiled by the conquistadores, paying a 

 handsome sum into the King's treasury. In recognition of the 

 transaction they were freed from obligation to pay the contribu- 

 cion territorial. In spite of this they have gradually been brought 

 under taxation again, until now only two of the seven communities 

 remain free from the usual payment. In 1729 the Indians of 

 Sicasica, composed of the two customary divisions, aransaya and 

 iirinsaya, with their eleven communities, also bought back their 

 lands in a similar manner and purchased, too, a few adjoining 

 haciendas. The latter have now been lost to them, however, by 

 the encroachment of white or mestizo neighbors. 



Prouhice of Pacajes 



There are many strong Indian communities in the Province 

 of Pacajes at the southeastern end of Lake Titicaca. This is a 

 typical altiplano province. None of it lies lower than the lake, 

 12,544 feet above sea level. Most of the territory consists of 

 flat, unproductive plateau, but there are also a number of low 

 hills and ridges that serve to break the unity of the province and 

 that separate the different communities. 



A unique group of South American Indians is situated in this 



" Rigoberto Paredes: Descripcion de la Provincia de Sicasica, Bol. Oficina Nad. 

 de Esladist., Vol. 6, iQio, pp. 403-426. La Paz. 



