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Indigenous
Villages
 In
the state of Oaxaca, at least half the population still speaks
an indigenous dialect. This large population establishes,
not only one of their main distinctive features, but its identity
and its most outstanding wealth. Thanks to this, Mexico still
possesses the possibility of preserving one of the largest,
untouched indigenous cultures in the Mesoamerican world.
The great diversity of indigenous groups, their
variety of tongues they speak, and the great number of archaeological
sites that exist, allow us to feel that it is the only environment
in the world that has witnessed the uninterrupted development
of human life for more than 10,000 years.
Sixteen different indigenous groups have been
formally registered in the Indigenous Communities for the
State of Oaxaca, all perfectly well defined through dialect,
customs, food habits, rituals, cosmogony, etc. There are also
Afromixtecas, a mixture of African slaves brought to Mexico
during the Spanish conquest, and the Mixteca Indians who come
from Costa Chica, Oaxaca.
Oaxaca's territory is rugged, and its abrupt
topography has kept the State and towns in isolation for a
long time, maintaining their ancestral traditions intact.
For this reason, two different cultures settled on the plains
and in the western mountains, that cultivated their splendor
throughout the land: the Mixtec and Zapotec.
In addition, there are several others: Amuzgos,
Chatinos, Chinantecos, Chochos, Chontales, Cuicatecos, Huaves,
Ixcatecos, Mazatecos, Mixes, Popolcas, Triquis, Zoques and
Tacuates. We will learn about their characteristics as ethnic
groups as we go along.
 As
we approach the turn of the century, we have much to learn
from these indigenous cultures about the true values of life,
that are so intimately linked to Nature.
As a final note, we would like to add a quote
found in the Article 2 of the First Chapter of the New Laws
and Rights for Indigenous Groups and Communities in the State
of Oaxaca: "The State of Oaxaca has a plural and ethnic
formation, sustained by the great majority represented by
the State's indigenous groups and communities. The cultural
and historical roots these groups portray constitute the Mesoamerican
civilization. They speak a dialect of their own and have occupied
their territory in an uninterrupted and continuous manner,
being able to built their own specific culture, a fact that
sets them apart from the rest of the State's population. These
groups and communities have existed since before the State
was founded, and they have set the bases for the political
and territorial constitution of the State, therefore they
will always be entitled to the social rights this new law
provides for them."
*
The source of this information is the Oaxaca-Travel
website. We publish this information with the authorization
of Mr. Juan Antonio Ruiz W. producer of the Oaxaca-Travel
website.
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