Chichimeca

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Chichimeca was the name that the Mexica generically gave to a wide range of nomadic 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 Spanish progressed north, they learned more about the different tribes that inhabited the Chichimeca nation and started referring to them by their names. The Chichimeca tribes were the following: Caxcan, Tecuexe, Guachichil, Guamare, Pame, and Zacateco.

Contents

1 Origin of the word
2 Militia
3 Warfare
4 Archaeological Sites
5 Sources

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.

However, and this may result in such interesting debate; CHICHILTIC=RED and MECATL=lineage as stated above, so the word CHICHIMECA means also the red people (redskins), considering that in all america from Alaska to la Patagonia, this feature is commonly shared. Looking at the first nations people from Canada[link] and Mexican - Guatemalan Mayas[link] or Amazonian[link] , one definitely arise the question of shared roots.

Militia

The Chichimeca prepared for war with prayers and dances. In the dance of war (mitote), they grasped their arms with their companion's, and they would all rotate vigorously in a circle around a bonfire. There is a great probability that at the time of mitote they included music with drums or with the beatings of their bow and arrows. Generally the "mitote" was done at night, and they consumed péyotl (peyote) or nanácatl (bad mushrooms). About the dances and the hallucinations, Sahagún tells us: ''and they all gathered in a llano 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 bow and arrow, with which they had great ability. The Chichimeca bow was two-thirds the size of a medium-sized body and it ranged approximately from the head to the knees. The arrow was two-thirds the size of the bow and it was of fine quality. The arrow tip was generally obsidian or they were scorched in the sharp tip. To protect themselves from the blow of the bow string, the warrior wore a leather armband. They also carried other weapons: axes, flint knives, javelins and macanas.

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/

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