THE 5 ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE MOST IMPORTANT NAHUAS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The most important economic activities of the Nahuas are agriculture, pottery, livestock, handicrafts, textiles and embroidery. Nahuas are defined as those indigenous groups that speak the Nahuatl language. The majority of the Nahua population is settled in rural areas of the country, therefore they support its economy themselves.

The Nahuas are characterized by being a farming people with deep respect for nature which is expressed in their economic activities. This is how we find Nahua peoples dedicated to pottery, blacksmithing, and those dedicated to producing ritual objects such as masks, confetti, wax and pyrotechnics.

Main economic activities of the Nahuas

farming

The primary economic activity of the Nahuas is temporary agriculture, that is, they sow different products depending on the time of year. Corn, beans, broad beans, and oats are the most common foods harvested by the Nahuas.

The largest percentage of production is destined for self-consumption and the rest is sold many times in local markets. Other products that they sell are tomatoes, peanuts, sorghum, chili and vegetables.

Livestock and poultry

The Nahuas support their economy by raising sheep and pigs. This is a secondary activity since they only have small herds of sheep.

In greater quantity, they are dedicated to raising poultry such as chickens and turkeys, which in the same way, are used mainly for consumption.

Pottery

Nahua communities support their economy in pottery. Domestic and kitchen utensils such as pots, clay pots, ladles, pitchers, fruit bowls and plates are handmade by the Nahuas and sold in markets and flea markets.

It is well known that these peoples also make ornamental items such as masks, figures of gods or blown glass.

Handicrafts

Handicrafts play an important role in the economic activity of the Nahua peoples. Depending on the region where the groups are based, the articles will be produced. Among the artisan products we can find ceramics, reeds, lacquers, basketwork and amate paper.

The paintings depicted on the amates depict the activities of their daily life, herding livestock, gathering crops, hauling water, and more. The Nahuas do not forget the children and make rag dolls and wooden tops.

Artisan work takes place throughout the year and is combined with other activities such as agriculture, livestock and participation in festivals.

Textiles and embroidery

Embroidery and textiles are one of the main cultural features of the Nahua people. In Mexico the tradition of Nahua textiles prevails in modern times and it is an achievement of these communities to preserve their roots, customs and traditions.

It is common to see Nahuatl women embroidering napkins and tablecloths in markets and flea markets that they later put on sale. Since pre-Hispanic times, clothing, blankets and textile ornaments were commercial material among the Nahuas.

The fabrics are made of cotton or yarn that is perfectly dyed in different colors. The thread with which it is embroidered is also cotton and brightly colored.

References

1. The Nahuas After the Conquest: A Social and Cultural History of the Indians of Central Mexico, Sixteenth through Eighteenth Centuries. James Lockhart books.google.com.mx
2. Nahuas cdi.gob.mx
3. Nahua-Portal Ciudadano - Government of the State of Mexico edomex.gob.mx
4. The Handicraft Trade: The Nahuas de Alto Balsas nacionmulticultural.unam.mx.