Castas Pyramid
Definition
The Castas Pyramid was a hierarchical social structure established by the Spanish in their colonies, particularly in Latin America during the 16th to 18th centuries. It categorized people based on their racial and ethnic background, with Europeans at the top and indigenous peoples and Africans at the bottom.
Analogy
Think of the Castas Pyramid like a multi-layered cake. The top layer, which is often considered the best or most desirable part of the cake, represents Europeans who were seen as superior. As you move down through each layer of cake (or each level of society), you encounter different racial groups that were perceived as less valuable or important than those above them.
Related terms
Peninsulares: These were individuals born in Spain who lived in the New World colonies. They occupied the highest position in the Castas Pyramid.
Creoles: Creoles were people of pure European descent but born in New World colonies. They held significant economic power but were socially ranked below Peninsulares.
Mestizos/Mulattos: Mestizos are people of mixed European and Indigenous American descent while Mulattos are those of mixed European and African ancestry. They occupied middle positions within this social hierarchy.
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