engleski

Informal Power Structures and Godparents' Network of the Dubrovnik Nobility in the second half of the 18th Century

The institutional structure of the Dubrovnik Republic was based on the principle of class homogeneity. Inside this formal political structure there were conflicts and divisions. Political power and participation in most important governmental functions had been determined by affiliation to either one of the two rival clans (Salamancanists and Sorbonnists). Factions and hostilities between these two closed groups expanded in the 18th century. It was even forbidden to marry between two clans. By analysing godparents’ network in the second half of the 18th century in relation to two main clans, the functioning of Dubrovnik noble families within unpolitical surroundings will be explored. By identifying the clan affiliation of the child, bride, groom, godparents and witnesses, the influence of politics and formal power structures in choice of godparents will be examined. Considering the fact that godparents network hasn't been the subject of the larger research in Croatian historiography, this paper will examine church decrees on godparenthood and its practice in Dubrovnik. The obligations of the godparents and their role in child's integration in Dubrovnik society will be examined. The research will be based on the analysis of baptismal and marriage registers. The number of godparents per child as well as social and family customs in selection of godparents will be analysed - whether it is through lineage affiliation, political power, social reputation or some kind of family, friendly or neighbourly ties. Since the class regulations and marital monogamy presented barriers to achieve closer ties between persons from different social strata, it will be examined whether godparenthood was the way in which families showed their sympathy to individuals from the lower strata of society. One may ask, for example, whether, there were among the godparents of patrician children members of lower strata of society? Consequently, social role of habitual godparents, their age, sex and marital status will also be examined. Through the research of the godparents' network we expect to achieve new insights on the issue of relations among the two main clans of the Dubrovnik patrician families.

Power Structures ; Godparents ; Nobility ; Dubrovnik Republic ; 18th Century

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