Mixtec culture

The Mixtec culture was a major pre-Columbian civilization in Mesoamerica. The Mixtec people called themselves Ñuu savi. This name translates to "people or nation of the rain."

Their historical territory is a diverse region called La Mixteca. This area covers more than 40,000 square kilometers. It spans parts of the modern Mexican states of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero. The Mixtec history is one of the longest in Mesoamerica. It began during the Middle Preclassic period between the 12th and 10th centuries BC. The culture continued until the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century.

The Mixtec landscape is divided into several distinct geographic zones. The Highland Mixteca is a very mountainous area. It sits where the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Neovolcanic Axis meet. This region contains intermontane valleys like Tlaxiaco and Nochixtlán. The climate here ranges from temperate to cold. It is also relatively humid, and many rivers originate here.

To the north lies the Lowland Mixteca. This area is known as ñuiñe, which means "Hot Land" in the Mixtec language. The terrain here rarely exceeds 2,000 meters above sea level. Consequently, it is hotter and drier than the highlands. It features a dry broadleaf forest ecosystem with xerophytic vegetation.

Mixtec society was organized into various political structures. They did not form a single political unit for all their villages. Instead, they lived in many different towns and states. The Lowland Mixteca, or ñuiñe, saw high urban concentration in cities like Cerro de las Minas. In the Highland Mixteca, urbanization followed a pattern of smaller human concentrations. During the Preclassic period, the Mixtecs were part of a wide Pan-Mesoamerican network. They even produced luxury goods found in the Olmec heartland.

Cultural exchange was a major part of Mixtec life. They shared many traits with their Zapotec neighbors. Both groups used names for themselves related to rain or clouds. In the ñuiñe region, people developed a specific style of writing. This writing style combined elements from Monte Albán and Teotihuacán.

Zapotec influence is also visible in Mixtec ceramic urns. These urns often represent the Old God of Fire. As the Classic period ended around the 7th and 8th centuries, some of these traditions became obsolete. However, new conditions allowed the Mixtec culture to flourish again from the 13th century onwards.

One of the most significant leaders was Eight Deer Jaguar Claw. He was a ruler with a strong political temperament. Eight Deer consolidated the Mixtec presence in the coastal region. He founded the kingdom of Tututepec, also called Yucudzáa. He also launched military campaigns to unify many states. This included important sites like Tilantongo.

His success relied on an alliance with Four Jaguar. Four Jaguar was a lord of Nahua-Toltec affiliation from Ñuu Cohyo. This alliance helped Eight Deer create one of the largest political units in Mixtec history. His reign ended when he was assassinated.

The Mixtecs held deep spiritual beliefs about the universe. They believed the world went through cycles of creation and destruction. They lived in the era of a "Fifth Sun."

In their mythology, the universe began in chaos. Two creative spirits, One Deer-Jaguar Serpent and One Deer-Puma Serpent, ruled the beginning. These spirits represent the dual principle of the universe. They separated light from darkness and earth from water. They also created the four gods who gave birth to humanity. According to legend, humans were eventually created from corn.

Relations between the Mixtecs and other groups changed over time. During the Postclassic period, Mixtec and Zapotec alliances intensified. This happened even though the two groups also experienced increased rivalry. They often worked together to defend against Mexica incursions. The Aztec Empire eventually conquered powerful states like Coixtlahuaca. However, the kingdom of Tututepec remained independent. This helped the Zapotecs resist in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. When the Spaniards arrived, some Mixtec lords became their vassals. Others tried to resist but were defeated by Spanish military force.