The history of Mexican art and culture can be traced back for nearly 4,000 years! For thousands of years before Columbus arrived, Pre-Columbian civilizations thrived in what is now modern-day Mexico.
Today we’ll take a closer look at a few of the most noteworthy cultures, their art, and how their influence can still be found in Mexico today. We’ll also show you a few of our favorite pieces of jewelry inspired by Pre-Columbian Mexican culture.
Influential Pre-Columbian Civilizations
Many of Mexico’s Pre-Columbian civilizations were very advanced for their time and influenced the creation of what we now think of as Mexican culture. Let’s take a look at a few of the most-well known Pre-Columbian civilizations in Mexico:
Olmec
The Olmecs were the first major Mexican civilization, starting around 1500 BC (that’s about 3500 years ago!). The most enduring symbol of Olmec culture are giant stone heads, some as large as 10 feet tall! In addition, the Olmec are known for their artwork, which was often made from jade, obsidian, and magnetite, materials still used in modern jewelry and art today!
Fast Facts:
- The Olmec people discovered the number zero, an important contribution to mathematics around the world.
- It’s likely that the first compasses were invented by the Olmec people!
- They were the first civilization in North America to develop a written language.
Maya
Between 2000 BC and 1500 AD, the Mayan people ruled much of Mexico and made incredible contributions to the region’s culture and scientific knowledge. Mayan civilization was very advanced, featuring amazing architecture and carefully planned and designed cities. The Mayan people were also known for their stunning artwork and jewelry, often made from gold, silver, and copper.
Fast Facts:
- The Mayan Calendar was very accurate and was even able to predict lunar and solar eclipses!
- Hot chili peppers were first cultivated by Mayan people!
- Mayans were also among the first people to enjoy chocolate– often in drinks made from cacao!
- Deer, ducks, and dogs were all domesticated by the Mayan people!
Aztec
Interestingly, Aztec doesn’t refer to a single civilization, instead it refers to any group speaking the Nahuatl language between the 1300s and 1500s. Aztec civilizations were spread throughout central Mexico and their culture was just as diverse!
Religion was important to the Aztec people, who worshipped the sun, but their culture also emphasized athletics and entertainment. Unfortunately, by about 1520, diseases brought by Spanish Conquistadors had wiped out the Aztec people.
Fast Facts:
- Education was an important part of Aztec society and schooling was required, including classes on astronomy and art!
- The capital city of Tenochtitlan was believed to be very clean thanks to the work of some of the world’s first garbage collectors!
- While many people associate the use of feathers and turquoise with Aztec culture (including art and clothing) these materials and colors were reserved for the upper classes and nobility!
- The Aztec people often used cocoa beans as a form of currency!
Influence on Modern Mexico
Pre-Columbian cultures have had a profound impact on the Mexico we know today. Let’s take a closer look at how you can see ancient culture reflected in its…
Mexican Flag
Perhaps the most notable example can be found in the Mexican flag! The coat of arms is based on an Aztec legend in which an Aztec god said that when the Aztecs found an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake, they would find their new home. According to legend, it took 200 years but they found what they were looking for! In fact the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan lives on today as Mexico City!
City Culture
Interestingly, unlike many other civilizations, for most of its history Mexico has been home to an urban population with most people living in villages, towns, and cities. This is thanks to the Pre-Columbian people who called Mexico home and developed cultures and civilizations that were permanently settled (as opposed to nomadic).
Food
Much of what we think of as Mexican food actually comes from Pre-Columbian civilizations, including the use of ingredients like:
- Chili peppers
- Corn
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Guava
- Chayote
- Jicama
- Nopal
It’s amazing to think about Mexico’s rich history and how much we truly owe to the people who called our country home hundreds and even thousands of years ago.
Source: mexicansilverstore.com
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