A Quechua expert

Abstract

José Toribio Polo presents a detailed biography of Francisco de Avila highlighting his work as a cleric and his exceptional mastery of the Quechua language. Born in Cusco around 1573 as a foundling, the author detailed his education at the University of San Marcos and his controversial role as an extirpator of idolatry in Huarochirí, where he destroyed thousands of idols and mummies (“mallquis”). The text narrates the legal processes he faced due to accusations from the indigenous people —of which he was absolved—, as well as his ecclesiastical rise to canon. His literary legacy is highlighted, especially his Sermones and the Tratado de los Evangelios, works that express his eloquence and ability to evangelize in the Native tongue, being considered one of the "distinguished men" among Peruvian Humanistic intellectuals.