A Quechua expert

Abstract

José Toribio Polo offers a brief rectification and biographical addendum on Canon Francisco de Avila, a famous extirpator of idolatries and Quechua expert. The author discusses Avila's origin, confirming he was a foundling, but suggests his parents might have been known though not publicly, based on testamentary legacies to nieces who were nuns. The central document of the article is the reproduction of the death certificate issued by the notar Antonio Fernández de la Cruz. This document certifies that Avila was found dead on Tuesday, September 17th, 1647, in his room, dressed in alb and chasuble, ready to be shrouded. This finding corrects and complements the personal history of one of the most controversial and forgotten ancient Peruvian writers.