Explore Mexican American Origins
Raíces indígenas de los Mexicoamericanos
Americans are frequently asked to define their cultural ancestry. The choices offered to Mexican Americans are Latino or Hispanic. Neither of these terms address the fact that many Mexican Americans also have indigenous North American roots. The tapestry of cultures in Mexico offers a proud and rich heritage. Mexican cultures date back at least 20,000 years to early hunter-gatherers. By 8000 BCE Indigenous people began selective alteration of the maize (corn) plant with wholesale corn agriculture beginning about 1800 BCE.
Con frecuencia se les pide a los estadounidenses que definan su ascendencia cultural. Las opciones ofrecidas a los mexicoamericanos son latino o hispano. Ninguno de estos términos aborda el hecho de que muchos mexicoamericanos también tienen raíces indígenas norteamericanas. El tapiz de culturas en México ofrece una herencia rica y orgullosa. Las culturas mexicanas se remontan al menos a 20,000 años, a los primeros cazadores-recolectores. Para el año 8000 a.C., los pueblos indígenas comenzaron la alteración selectiva de la planta de maíz (elote), con la agricultura de maíz a gran escala comenzando alrededor del 1800 a.C.
The Indigenous Roots of Mexican Americans exhibit in the World Culture Gallery explores the ancestry that exists within many Quad Citizens and traces this shared heritage, from early hunter gatherers to massive civilizations and cultural developments.
This exhibit is in our World Culture Gallery.
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