Honra, feitiçaria e os anais da Inquisição de Lima

In order to repress cases of sorcery and witchcraft, considered a civil and religious crime, Inquisition scrutinized formal medical practices and procedures of folk healers. Until the nineteenth century, Inquisition imposed hard punishments on traditional healers and individuals suspect of sorcery. This study aims to discuss a singular case referred in Annals of the Inquisition of Lima (1863), by the Peruvian writer Ricardo Palma. The case involves activities associated with healing and sorcery. The complainant, a slave named Manuel Cosio, requested the tribunal of the Holy Inquisition of Lima to restore his honor that had been publicly blemished by false accusations of witchcraft. The objective is to show how the Inquisition could shape the social identity of the defendant within the community.