The main scene on the trunk reveals the ideological context in which the conquest and colonisation of America took place. A Native American is seen tied to a cross and being beaten by a soldier, while a friar with a crucifix and book in his hands watches the punishment. The Native woman is bare, kneeling, bound and bent over as a sign of submission.
The figures seen at the corners of the object depict the Viceroys of Peru: top left corner, Fernández de Castro (1667-1674); bottom left corner, Baltasar de la Cueva Enríquez (1674-1678); bottom right corner, Melchor de Linar(es) (1678-1681).