Culture of Mexico - Essay Example

This civilization disappeared around 400 BC but its influence can be found on the later cultures. The following civilizations include the Teotihuacan, the Zapotecs and Mixtecs of Monte Alban, the Maya of Yucatan, the Toltecs, Aztecs etc. Many of these civilizations used to perform practices like human sacrifice in order to please their gods. However, they also made important progress in mathematics, astronomy, architecture, textile weaving, art, and pottery. In 1520, Mexico came under Spain’s power. Spain considered Mexico the most important of their colonies. They taxed the land greatly and ruled it directly from Spain. The land was distributed to settlers. It was worked by the Indians who were protected by the settlers and were also converted to Christianity. As a result, there were four major castes in Mexico i.e. Espanoles (Spaniards born in Spain), criollos (Mexican-born, but with Spanish blood), mestizos (Spanish and Indian), and the indigenes, the Indians. When Napoleon conquered Spain in 1808, Mexico started to consider independence. A revolution started from 1810 which ended in Mexico’s independence in 1829. However, Mexico had to suffer great internal problems as various groups fought each other for almost a century in order to gain control over the country. Like any other culture, language is one of the most important parts of the Mexican culture. ...
This is because of the Spanish conquest as they converted many people to Christianity during the days of slavery. Most of the population belongs to various sects of Christianity with Roman Catholics being the leading ones. There is a very small percentage of Jews and of people belonging to other religions. As far as art is concerned, Mexico is still famous for its pre-colonization art. Many modern handcrafts still have the influence of Aztec art. It can be seen in pottery, garments, baskets and rugs etc. The influence of pre-colonization art can also be seen in buildings and structures that are monumental or ceremonial. Mexican fine arts are also deeply influenced by the European traditions. After the independence, many pieces of art came that focused on political, historic, and folk themes. Manuel Alvarez Bravo is famous for his photography and has greatly influenced the Mexican art photography. Mexico is also famous for its architecture. Mesoamerican architecture in Mexico, as discussed above, is famous for its public, ceremonial and urban monumental buildings and structures. Most of these are the largest monuments in the world. The Mexican architecture shifted in styles many times as different civilizations emerged and, later, it was also conquered by Spain. Mexican Churrigueresque has been one of Mexico's most popular architectural styles which combined Amerindian and Moorish decorative influences. Mexican literature has its earliest traces in the ancient days of Mesoamerica. Netzahualcoyotl is the most well known pre-hispanic poet. The events and circumstances after the Spanish conquest inspired many themes in the Mexican literature. Similar is the case with the Mexican Revolution which Read More