The Underground World of Secret Jews and Africans

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The caste system in Spanish colonial society created significant tension, particularly for those at the bottom, like slaves, who turned to African magic for empowerment. Meanwhile, individuals of mixed heritage, such as children of Jewish fathers and African women, sought to elevate their status by adopting Judaism. This quest for identity put them at great risk, as the Spanish Inquisition aggressively targeted those perceived as threats to the cultural homogeneity of the colonies, particularly regarding multicultural practices and hidden Jewish identities.