Indigenous Tribes of Latin America
Indigenous People of Latin America
Throughout the world, when new lands were conquered, old customs would be lost. However, in Latin America, a great deal of their indigenous tribes not only survived being conquered, they are still around today. Different regions of Latin America are home to different peoples and many tribes are part of ancient full-fledged kingdoms. Some of these kingdoms are among the most well-known in the world.
The Meso-American native peoples make Latin America famous. These peoples include the Aztecs and Mayans. The Aztecs are most famous for their mathematical prowess and their calendars are exceptionally accurate. Meanwhile, the Mayans are known for creating a fully-written language and making amazing advancements in the fields or mathematics, astronomy, art and architecture. Their calendar is also well-known.
The development of the Aztec language, or Nahuatl played an important role in their civilization. Pictographs were used to represent their written language. The language, both written and spoken, was important in completing business arrangements and in keeping track of family and cultural histories. The Aztec language was also used to create beautiful poetry used in rituals and ceremonies. Many Aztec customs relied on the use of their language, as did the passing down of their legends and beliefs from one generation to the next.
Maya culture developed in three regions in Mesoamerica. By far the most important and most complete urban development occurred in the lowlands in the central region of southern Guatemala. The southernmost Mayan city was Copan in northern Honduras. The other major region of Mayan development was the Yucatan peninsula making up the southern and eastern portions of modern-day Mexico. The principal food of the Mayas was maize and maize production was the central economic activity.
The people indigenous to the Caribbean include a few groups. These groups include the Taino people, who live
Throughout the world, when new lands were conquered, old customs would be lost. However, in Latin America, a great deal of their indigenous tribes not only survived being conquered, they are still around today. Different regions of Latin America are home to different peoples and many tribes are part of ancient full-fledged kingdoms. Some of these kingdoms are among the most well-known in the world.
The Meso-American native peoples make Latin America famous. These peoples include the Aztecs and Mayans. The Aztecs are most famous for their mathematical prowess and their calendars are exceptionally accurate. Meanwhile, the Mayans are known for creating a fully-written language and making amazing advancements in the fields or mathematics, astronomy, art and architecture. Their calendar is also well-known.
The development of the Aztec language, or Nahuatl played an important role in their civilization. Pictographs were used to represent their written language. The language, both written and spoken, was important in completing business arrangements and in keeping track of family and cultural histories. The Aztec language was also used to create beautiful poetry used in rituals and ceremonies. Many Aztec customs relied on the use of their language, as did the passing down of their legends and beliefs from one generation to the next.
Maya culture developed in three regions in Mesoamerica. By far the most important and most complete urban development occurred in the lowlands in the central region of southern Guatemala. The southernmost Mayan city was Copan in northern Honduras. The other major region of Mayan development was the Yucatan peninsula making up the southern and eastern portions of modern-day Mexico. The principal food of the Mayas was maize and maize production was the central economic activity.
The people indigenous to the Caribbean include a few groups. These groups include the Taino people, who live
References: The Aztecs – Introduction to the Aztec Civilization and Cultures. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.aztec-indians.com/ The Taino Indians – Native Americans of the Caribbean. Retrieved on October 2, 2010 from http://www.healing-arts.org/spider/tainoindians.htm Baniwa-Curripaco-Wakuenai – History and Cultural Relations. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.everyculture.com/South-America/Baniwa-Curripaco-Wakuenai-History-and-Cultural-Relations.html Central and Southern Andes. Retrieved on October 1, 2010 from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?period=08®ion=sanc#/Overview Minnesota State University. Inca. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/inca.html Pantone, Dan James. Welcome to Amazon-Indians. Retrieved on October 4, 2010 from http://www.amazon-indians.org Mariqueo, Reynaldo & Calbucura, Jorge. The Mapuche Nation. Retrieved October 2, 2010 http://www.mapuche-nation.org/english/main/feature/m_nation.htm USA People Search. Native Peoples of Latin America. Retrieved October 4, 2010 http://www.usa-people-search.com/content-native-peoples-of-latin-america.aspx