INDG1011 Fall 2024 Week 8 Lecture

INDG1011: Introduction to Indigenous-Settler Encounters

  • Course Title: Indigenous Histories in Latin America and Early Encounters

  • Instructor: Shenella Charles, Indigenous Studies, Carleton University

Week 8 Lecture Roadmap

  • Overview of Indigenous Societies: Maya, Mexica, Inka

  • In-Class Analysis Agenda

Classification of Indigenous Societies

  • Sedentary Peoples:

    • Nahuas, Tarascans, Mixtec, Maya, Chibcha, Quechua, Aymara

  • Semi-Sedentary Peoples:

    • Lokonos (Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela)

    • Guaraní (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)

  • Nomads and Hunter-Gatherers:

    • Mapuche (southern Chile)

    • Chichimecans (northern Mexico)

  • Key Point: Classifications help understand colonial patterns, as sedentary areas correspond to core zones of colonization.

Indigenous Societies of Latin America

  • Maya:

    • Preceded the Mexica by hundreds of years; known for scientific innovations and artistic achievements during their classical period.

  • Mexica:

    • Dominant state of Mesoamerica and the largest by population during the Spanish Conquest.

  • Inka:

    • Expansionist state integrating local societies; not strictly defined as a single nation or people.

Geographic Overview (Page 5)

  • Regions Covered:

    • Southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama.

The Maya Civilization

  • Territory: Spanned southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, western Honduras, El Salvador.

  • Historical Context: Classical period ended 700 years prior to Spanish arrival.

  • Contributions: Invention of zero and place system numerals.

Maya Calendar and Understanding of Time

  • Cannula Calendar:

    • 18 months of 20 days each; cycles known as “katun” (20 tuns or years).

  • Cyclical View of Time:

    • Maya perceived history as part of longer cycles.

Chichen Itza

  • Notable pre-Columbian city built by the Maya.

Organization in Mayan Societies

  • City Structure:

    • Dense population centers housing tens of thousands.

  • Pyramids:

    • Built as ceremonial or religious centers, showcasing centralized political organization.

  • Economy: Involved agriculture along with artisans and specialized trades.

The Collapse of the Maya

  • Theoretical Explanations:

    • Natural disasters, peasant revolts, conquest by invaders, overpopulation, economic failures.

  • Key Consideration: Each theory reflects the viewpoint of its proponent.

Mexica Terminology

  • Origin of the Term 'Aztec':

    • Popularized by 18th-century historian Francesco Clavigero and later by William H. Prescott.

The Mexica

  • Description:

    • Eyewitness accounts highlight their cities built on water and unique architecture.

Organization in Mexica Societies

  • Cities:

    • Tenochtitlán surrounded by major cities like Texcoco and Cholula, each with over 80,000 inhabitants.

  • Social Structure:

    • Divided into wards governed by calpulli, composed of local communities led by senior males of kinship groups.

Mexica Pre-Contact and Expansion

  • Origins:

    • Descendants of Chichimeca and claimed connection to Toltecs, marked by a shift to military governance.

Andean Landscapes

  • Tahuantinsuyu:

    • Geographic division into four quarters with diverse ecological zones.

The Inka or Inka?

  • Terminology:

    • "Inkas" refers to the ruling class; "The Inka" designates the supreme ruler.

Structure of Andean Society

  • Diversity:

    • More ethnically and linguistically varied compared to Mesoamerica.

  • Community Organization:

    • Ayllus as locally oriented communities occupying diverse geographic areas.

Inka Expansion

  • Methods:

    • Combination of negotiation and warfare to incorporate regions.

  • Social Development:

    • Emergence of new social groups like yanas serving Inkas directly.

  • Infrastructure:

    • Roads and tambos facilitating trade and communication.

Social Foundations of the Inka State

  • Agriculture:

    • Mixed agricultural practices; communities structured as ayllus.

  • Leadership:

    • Kurakas held authority, yet could not demand labor; labor obligations were offered voluntarily.

  • Cultural Significance:

    • Ancestors were honored as spirit divinities in local religion.

Brief Discussion of In-Class Analysis

  • Topics for discussion include questions on research paper outline.