Stern Supports Restall's Myth Paradigms

Stern applied some of the same methodology as Restall, especially when dispelling the myth that the natives were victims at the hands of the Spanish.  Stern used several examples of how the natives used their positions to improve their own economic and political standings.  Further, Stern stated “colonial society offered new possibilities to dissatisfied individuals willing to abandon or loosen ties with ayllu society”. (38) According to Stern, as these native-Spanish alliances grew the natives once again challenged the Spanish colonists demands on labor and tribute and forced the Spanish to resolve the crisis of the 1560’s.  This perspective appears to support Restall’s assertions that many natives aligned with the Spanish to gain from the relationship and then challenged the alliance when it conflicted with traditional native ideology. 

Stern dispelled the myth that encomenderos were “exceptional men” which also supports Restall.  Stern talked about Maldonado and how his relationship with the natives depended on his relationship with the kurakas and aligned himself with the reciprocity of the relationship, which was hinged into Andean ideology.  Maldonado was successful because he negotiated with the kurakas and as Stern stated “tended to respect traditional Andean prerogatives”. (42)

Lastly, Stern dispelled the myth of completion, which further supports Restall.  Stern goes more in depth than Restall in each of these categories and provides the reader with evidence to understand why these are myths.  One example, was the Taki Onqoy revival which changed Andean traditional thought and identity. (59) When the Spanish became aware of the heresy it forced the Spanish to send Toledo to once again reform former “conquered” settlements. (76)