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This article studies the Indians who provided firewood, charcoal and wood to the cities and mines of New Spain. It tries to show that this trade, despite its unassuming appearance, was very relevant in productive terms, and its shortage could have serious consequences in daily life and the smooth running of various productive activities. The text describes the characteristics and conditions of the production and argues that the transit of men and merchandises had an impact both in the cities and the towns of origin. It also proposes that this trade cannot be understood simply in economic terms, since it reflected the parallel dualities of country/ city and Indian/Spanish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]