Description
The vara was the staff of office for Spanish and Mexican-era officials in New Spain. The staff served as the badge of office carried by government officials. Robert Tórrez’s presentation reviews how the vara was utilized in commerce and government. A form of vara continues to be utilized today by New Mexico’s Pueblos as symbols of their authority and independence. They are the canes the Pueblo governors carry as their symbol of authority.
Robert Tórrez is a native New Mexican who served as the state historian from 1987-2000. He has researched New Mexico archives for decades. He is the author of several books and has contributed chapters to nearly two dozen anthologies and textbooks.