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Photographic print
of the Magi of the Indies
in traditional
Ilabe attire in Peru

Magos Foundation Collection

CONQUEST OF THE AMERICAS (15th/16th century)

The magi became an essential element of the colonization strategy to give meaning to the arrival of the conquistadors in unknown lands. The representations of the magi were transformed during the conquests of the Americas. The Magus is supposed to offer the natives a model of veneration by being represented as an indigenous king. We discover him as a Brazilian Indian chief (Maitre de Visieu), as an Inca king (Juan Correa de Vivar), in traditional Mexican attire (Francisco de Comontes), as an Inca chief or Orejones (Diego de la Puente). The site called Angra dos Reis (Bay of the Magi), near Rio in Brazil was discovered on January 6, 1502, day of the Epiphany. Lima in Peru was discovered on January 18, 1535 and was named “Cuidad de los Reyes” in honor of the Magi.