Abstract

BANOS RAMIREZ, Othón. Timber Piracy and the World-economy: The case of the Laguna (1558-1717). Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2012, vol.33, n.132bis, pp.75-107. ISSN 2448-7554.

The piracy that is well-known from the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico is a complex historical phenomenon that endured for perhaps two centuries. Various phases are recognized, and two modalities: persecuting and assaulting ships; and raiding and sacking coastal populations. This study describes a third modality, one practiced in the Laguna region of Campeche, Mexico. Based on market logic and the profits obtainable through the exploitation of the work of men who participated in cutting and trafficking 'dyewood' (palo de tinte), this illicit activity differed in key ways from the contraband trade also common in the period.

Keywords : Piracy; world-economy; the Caribbean; dyewood; La Laguna; Campeche.