5 Investigate Find out about the myth of Mama Huaco. Who was she? Which civilisation did she belong to? Look at the Mayan woman. What elements indicate her social status? Analyse and compare. Were the lives of pre-Columbian women similar to those of European women in the 15th century? E X P L O R E Women in Pre-Columbian America Inca women Inca officials travelled around the empire and chose the most beautiful girls to be educated in the acllahuasi. There they learnt to weave vicuña wool , make Inca clothing and chicha, a fermented liquor made from corn . When they finished their training, some became priestesses of the Sun and others became second wives of the Inca or the nobles. Girls who were not chosen were married at around 12 years of age. They carried out domestic chores, agricultural (23) and handicraft work and cared for their children . The coyas were the first wives of the Inca . They played a particularly important role in the Inca world as some of them governed in the absence of their husbands. 23. Agricultural work 25. Mayan noblewoman 24. Aztec midwife giving advice to a pregnant woman Aztec women Aztec women were considered inferior to men . From a young age their mothers taught them how to carr y out domestic chores. Their main function was to have children . (24) Despite this, Aztec women participated directly in economic activities. For example, there were female potters and sellers. Some women became priestesses. Mayan women Mayan women worked in the fields, looked after their families and carried out domestic chores. They also made textiles using dyed yarns and complex designs, which were sold in local markets. Some elite women (25) governed cities. This was the case in the city of Palenque. Women often governed as regents for their sons. 26. Quetzalcoatl was the most important Aztec god. Define: pre-Columbian peoples, Inca. Compare the Inca, Aztec and Mayan civilisations. Choose a word, an idea and a phrase that defines each one. Discuss them with your partner. Think. Which ancient civilisations built pyramids? Why do you think some pre-Columbian peoples built pyramids? K E Y Q U E S T I O N S 139
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