Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua

Place: Tamburco

Born: 1744

Death: 1781

Biography:

Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua was a pioneering indigenous leader against Spanish rule in South America, and a martyr for Peruvian independence. Born in Tamburco, Peru in 1744, she played a paramount role in the logistics of the rebel army in Cuzco in 1780 and 1781. With her husband Túpac Amaru II, she led a rebellion against the Spanish and like him, suffered martyrdom of execution by the Spaniards when the revolt failed.

Early Life and Marriage

Micaela was born to Josefa Puyucahua and Manuel Bastidas. She spoke Quechua better than Spanish and was a devout Catholic, but had little formal schooling. In 1760, she married José Gabriel Condorcanqui, who later used the name Túpac Amaru II. José Gabriel was a young mixed-race descendant of an important figure in Peruvian history, of the Inca Tupac Amaru I, executed by the Spanish in 1572.

Rebellion and Execution

When Túpac Amaru II called for a rebellion against Spanish rule in Peru in 1780, Micaela joined the rebels in Tinta. She was an exceptionally able leader of the rebellion and played a crucial role in mobilizing indigenous women for the uprising. Along with Tomasa Tito Condemayta, she led a women's battalion and supplied silver and essential supplies to fund the rebellion. On May 18, 1781, Micaela was executed after severe torture, along with Túpac Amaru II and their son Hipólito Condorcanqui Bastidas in the main square of Cusco.

Legacy

Micaela's legacy as a pioneering indigenous leader and martyr for Peruvian independence is still celebrated today. Her bravery and leadership during the rebellion have inspired many, and her name is often mentioned alongside other notable figures such as Simón Bolívar. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Santiago in Chile has a collection of paintings that reflect the rich history of South American art, including works related to the rebellion led by Túpac Amaru II and Micaela.

• Some notable artworks related to Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua can be found at Wikioo.org, including paintings by Pedro José Figueroa Mata and Frederic Edwin Church.
• The Butler Institute of American Art in the United States also has a collection of American art that reflects the history of the continent, including works related to the Spanish colonization of South America.
• Micaela's story is also told in the Hampton University Museum, which has a collection of artifacts and artworks related to the indigenous cultures of South America.

Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua's life and legacy can be explored further through various resources, including Wikipedia and Wikioo.org. Her bravery and leadership during the rebellion have inspired many, and her name is often mentioned alongside other notable figures such as Túpac Amaru II and Tomasa Tito Condemayta.