Musical Influences in the Era of Pirate Invasions: What Was Being Heard in Guayaquil in the 16th Century?

Abstract

This article analyzes the musical influences and sound practices present in Guayaquil during the 16th century, a period that coincides with the city’s definitive foundation on July 25, 1538, and its gradual consolidation as a strategic port enclave in the South Pacific. From a musicological and ethnomusicological perspective, grounded in the notion of the historical soundscape, the study examines sonic manifestations associated with pre-Hispanic Indigenous rituality, musical practices of European origin introduced through Spanish colonization, and early African contributions linked to the colonial networks of the Pacific. The research demonstrates that musical practices of the period were not organized as genres in the modern sense, but rather as functional sonic forms closely connected to religious rituals, military activities, navigation, civic celebrations, and community life. It concludes that during the 16th century, Guayaquil developed a hybrid and dynamic soundscape shaped by processes of cultural interaction, evangelization, maritime trade, and armed conflict, particularly in the context of pirate incursions.