Yanaque

Yanaque (also sometimes spelled "yana-que") is a term primarily used in the Andean region of South America, especially in Peru and Bolivia. It refers to a form of debt bondage or indentured servitude. Historically, it described a system where indigenous people were forced to work for landowners, often in exchange for a small piece of land to cultivate or in repayment of debts that were often inherited.

The yanaque system originated during the colonial era and persisted, in various forms, long after independence. It was characterized by a power imbalance where the landowner controlled the worker's labor and often manipulated debts to keep them tied to the land. While formally abolished in many countries, vestiges of yanaque-like practices continue to exist in some remote areas, often under the guise of informal labor arrangements or exploitative landlord-tenant relationships. These modern forms often involve the exploitation of vulnerable indigenous populations with limited access to legal recourse or alternative economic opportunities.

The term "yanaque" carries a negative connotation due to its association with exploitation and the historical oppression of indigenous communities. It is a reminder of the inequalities and injustices that have plagued the Andean region for centuries.