Information AboutChichimec |
|
|group=Chichimeca |image= |poptime=Unknown |popplace=Northern Mexico , United States |rels= Christianity , especially Roman Catholic |langs= Spanish , English |related= Caxcan , Guachichil , Guamare , Pame , Tecuexe , Zacateco }} Chichimeca was the name that the Mexica generically gave to a wide range of Nomad ic groups that inhabited the north of modern-day Mexico . The Spanish , after the conquest of Mexico- Tenochtitlan , never imagined that it would take them over two centuries to conquer the north, a vast region known as Aridoamerica . As the , Tecuexe , Guachichil , Guamare , Pame , and Zacateco . Origin of the word Several interpretations have been given for the name. One of the most pervasive holds that it comes from the Nahuatl ''chi'' ("dog") and ''mecatl'' ("rope", which has survived as the modern Spanish ''mecate)'', thus meaning "lineage of dogs" or "descendants of dogs", in reference to their perceived barbarism. Another interpretation is "arrogant dogs". The term was, in any event, pejorative in origin and the name was equivalent to barbaric or uncivilized. Militia The Chichimeca prepared for war with prayers and dances. In the dance of war ( after they had dranked and eaten it, where they would dance and sing night and day to their pleasure, and this only the first day because the next day they all cried together, and it was said that they cleaned and washed their eyes and face with tears. The main weapon of the Chichimeca was the s and Macana s. Warfare In respect to their way of combat, Friar Juan De Torquemada tells us: ''they fight naked, smeared with die of different colors, and with bow and arrows of flint, weapons that made of cane appear weak, but its incredible the disaster they cause on armed men and their horses even if they are covered, when these are put in their hands. Archaeological Sites Altavista This astronomical and ceremonial center was the product of the Chalchihuite culture. Its occupation and development had a period of approximately 800 years (200-1000 a.c.). This zone is considered an important archaeological center because of the astonishing, accurate functions of the edifications. The ones that stand out the most are: The Moon Plaza, '''The Votive Pyramid''', the '''Ladder of Gamio''' and '''The labyrinth'''. In The Labyrinth you can appreciate with precision and accuracy, the respective equinoxes and the seasons. La Quemada You can appreciate the great quantity of buildings constructed above artificial terraces in the slopes of a hill. The materials used here include stone slab and clay. The most important structures are: The hall of Columns, '''The Ball Game''', '''The Votive Pyramid''', and '''The Palace and the Barrack'''. In the most elevated part of the hill is '''The Fortress'''. This is composed of a small pyramid and a platform, encircled by a wall thats more than 800 mts. long and up to six feet high. La quemada was occupied from 800 to 1200 a.d. Their founders and occupants have not been identified with certitude. Sources Powell, Philip Wayne. ''Soldiers, Indians, & Silver: The Northward Advance of New Spain, 1550-1600''.Berkely, California: University of California Press, 1969. Secretariá de Turismo del Estado de Zacatecas. "Zonas Arqueológicas". 2005. http://www.zacatecas.gob.mx/ |