Mixtec

Mixtec
Group	Mixtec
Population	~830,000
Regions	Oaxaca, Puebla, Guerrero
Languages	Mixtec languages, Spanish language
Religions	Roman Catholicism, Traditional beliefs
Related	Zapotec peoples, Triqui people

Mixtec. The Mixtec are a major indigenous people of Mexico, whose historical heartland is the region known as La Mixteca, spanning parts of the modern states of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero. Their civilization, one of the major pre-Columbian cultures of Mesoamerica, flourished from the Postclassic period until the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, renowned for their intricate artistic achievements in codices, goldworking, and turquoise mosaic. Today, the Mixtec people maintain a distinct cultural identity through their language family, traditional practices, and community organizations.

History

The origins of Mixtec civilization trace back to the Preclassic period, with significant development occurring during the Postclassic period when city-states like Tilantongo, Tututepec, and Teozacoalco rose to prominence. This era, often called the Mixtec historical period, is richly documented in surviving Mixtec codices such as the Codex Zouche-Nuttall and the Codex Bodley, which record dynastic histories, marriages, and wars. A pivotal figure was Eight Deer Jaguar Claw, a ruler from Tilantongo who, in the 11th century, launched ambitious military campaigns to consolidate power across the region. The Mixtec frequently interacted and competed with neighboring powers like the Zapotec civilization of Monte Albán and the Aztec Empire, eventually becoming tributaries to the Aztec Triple Alliance before the arrival of Hernán Cortés. The Spanish conquest led to the subjugation of the region under the Viceroyalty of New Spain, administered through the encomienda system and evangelized by Dominican friars like Francisco de Burgoa.

Language

The Mixtec speak a group of closely related Oto-Manguean languages, collectively known as the Mixtec languages, which form a major branch of the Mixtecan languages alongside Cuicatec and Triqui. These languages are tonal and exhibit considerable dialectal variation, with some linguists estimating over fifty distinct variants, making mutual intelligibility often difficult between geographically separated communities. Important linguistic documentation and analysis have been conducted by institutions like the Summer Institute of Linguistics and scholars such as Kevin Terraciano. While Spanish is the dominant language for official and educational purposes, preservation efforts are ongoing through initiatives in bilingual education and academic work supported by the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples.

Culture

Traditional Mixtec culture is expressed through vibrant material arts, including intricate embroidery, weaving on backstrap looms, and the famous black clay pottery of San Bartolo Coyotepec. Their pre-Columbian artistic legacy is epitomized by exquisite goldworking from sites like Tomb 7 at Monte Albán, turquoise mosaics, and polychrome ceramics. The Mixtec codices, painted on deerskin, are masterpieces of Mesoamerican writing systems, utilizing a complex system of pictograms and ideograms to record history. Religious syncretism blends Roman Catholicism with pre-Hispanic beliefs, evident in festivals honoring saints like Saint James the Apostle and traditional ceremonies involving the Day of the Dead and rituals for agricultural deities. Music features instruments such as the chirimía and huehuetl, accompanying traditional dances.

Political organization

Historically, the Mixtec region was never a unified empire but a network of independent, often rival, city-states or *ñuu*, each ruled by a hereditary lord or *yya*. These kingdoms, such as Tilantongo, Tututepec, and Yanhuitlán, were connected through complex alliances, diplomatic marriages, and warfare, as detailed in the Codex Selden. The political structure was highly stratified, with nobility, priests, merchants, commoners, and slaves. After the conquest, Spanish authorities imposed the cabildo system, but traditional cargo systems and communal governance persisted. In modern times, many Mixtec communities in Oaxaca are governed under usos y costumbres, a form of indigenous law recognized by the state, with decisions made through assemblies in towns like Tlaxiaco and Juxtlahuaca.

Archaeological sites

Key archaeological sites provide insight into Mixtec civilization, often built upon earlier foundations. Monte Albán, primarily a Zapotec center, was later reused by the Mixtec, most famously for the lavish Tomb 7 at Monte Albán discovered by Alfonso Caso. The fortified city of Mitla, known for its elaborate geometric stone mosaics, served as a major religious center. Other significant sites include Yucuita and Yucuñudahui in the Nochixtlán Valley, the hilltop center of Cerro de las Minas near Huajuapan de León, and the palaces of Teposcolula and Coixtlahuaca, which later became important Dominican monastery complexes during the colonial period.

Modern Mixtec people

Contemporary Mixtec communities face challenges related to economic migration, environmental degradation in La Mixteca, and linguistic preservation. Large diaspora populations have established significant communities in major Mexican cities like Mexico City and Tijuana, as well as in the United States, particularly in California (e.g., Los Angeles, San Diego) and Oregon, where they often work in agriculture and service industries. Transnational organizations, such as the Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales, advocate for migrant rights and cultural continuity. Notable modern Mixtec individuals include Yalitza Aparicio, an actress nominated for an Academy Award for her role in *Roma*, and linguist-activists working to preserve their heritage amidst globalization.

Category:Indigenous peoples of Mexico Category:Mesoamerican cultures Category:Ethnic groups in Oaxaca