User:Kangaroo503/Cuzcatlan

Article Draft (existing article)

(Origins)

The Pipil people are an ethnic group who resided in western modern day El Salvador and parts of Honduras. They are a subgroup of Nahua people, who can also be known as Nawats, Nahuats, or Southern Nahuas . Nahua people originally resided in modern day Mexico with waves of Pipil people migrating to what was Cuzcatlan. This Mesoamerican land is believed to be inhabited by the first wave of Pipils as early as 3000 BCE. Another wave of Nahua migrants, known as the Izalco Pipils, voyaged in the 10th century . "The Nawat Pipil arrived in El Salvador around the year 900"

"In the 13th century the Pipil city states were most likely unified, and by 1400, a hereditary monarchy had been established." The Pipil people aided in the flourishing of Cuzcatlan and referred to this region as the "Land of the Jewel". Using techniques that were heavily influenced by ancient Mayan culture. Pipil people inhabited this land but also resided with other indigenous groups. They were alongside specifically Lenca and Pokomam Maya, which explains similarities in their culture and traditions. Pipil's created towns and cities that were able to support large populations which were supported by irrigated agricultural lands .

(Economy)

The economy of Cuzcatlan had contributions from both the indigenous Pipil people who inhabited the land and Spanish conquistadors post colonization. The indigenous economy consisted of the Pipil people and even indigenous Mexican, including Nahua and Mixtec . "It was based on the exchange of agriculture and handcrafted goods such a multicolored textiles."

"Cocoa bean and Indigo dye was a major export crop that was carefully cultivated in the Izalcos area and traded throughout the isthmus." Indigo specifically was a large part of Cuzcatlan economy because it was the base for agrarian and industrial products. The large dependency on Indigo and Cocoa beans lead to massive exploitations of the indigenous people. This became a large way for people to survive as the landowning class grew due to it's labor system. "Its production involved the construction of an elaborate irrigation network, parts of which can still be seen today. Cacao served in the region as currency.

"Only the priests and the ruling family could use gold and silver as ornaments."

Another large contribution to Cuzcatlan economy was the establishment of slave trafficking and labor which came to be after Spaniard colonization. Pedro de Alvarado began establishing slave labor throughout central America beginning in modern day Guatemala. This was then established into Cuzcatlan during his first invasion in 1524 . As Spaniards continued to settle in the Cuzcatlan, it became common for their households to contain indigenous slaves, typically women to act as servants. Many of these slaves were obtained through war or through barter . Those who were not placed into households would be forced to contribute to local cultivation. Settlements would be assigned to an "encomienda" which indicates what type of contribution they must provide. Typically an "encomienda" consisted of food products such as maize, beans, chilli peppers, turkeys, venison, salt, dried fish, honey, and beeswax. However, it was also common to be assigned firewood, woven cotton clothes and clothing. These contributions were expected and required of the settlements and acted as payment to the Spaniards. Those who failed to pay their contributions were typically faced with threats and even violent force.

There were large contributions to the Cuzcatlan economy due to the creation of Spanish industries in the area. They began to overtake the economy due to the large local force that they exerted. A new dynamic was established as these industries consisted of Spanish overseers and indigenous mestizo. One of the most significant industries they cultivated were war supplies. During the years 1525 - 1539, there was an influx of raids that occured in the area. This lead to slave labor being utilized for the creation of war supplies such as iron . Archaeology and architecture also gained prevalence in the area due to Spanish influence. This is another industry that was dependent on male indigenous labor for brick making, roof and tile manufacturing, blacksmithing, and charcoal making.

(MUSIC)

Due to the proximity to other indigenous groups, music was made up of new ideologies and borrowed traditions. A specific instrument used music was a slit drum that cuzcatlan's referred to as tepunahuaxtles . This drum was not specific to the Cuzcatlan people. It is believed that this sacred drum could be dated back to ancient Mesoamerica . This word derives from the Aztec word Teponaztli, which means drum. In Aztec ceremonies this drum was used for religious, military, and royal ceremonies which reflected the use of this instrument in Cuzcatlan.