Mesoamerica

Mesoamerican refers to the complex of ancient, indigenous cultures that developed in a region from central Mexico to northern Central America, sharing similar religious beliefs, art, architecture, and technology. Notable Mesoamerican civilizations include the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec, which flourished before the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. This region was one of the world’s cradles of civilization, independently developing agriculture, writing systems, and complex urban societies based on crops like maize, beans, and squash.
 

The term “Mesoamerica” translates to “middle America” and encompasses southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. 

Some of the most prominent Mesoamerican cultures were: 

• Olmec: Considered the “mother civilization,” they developed early writing and complex societies around 1400 BCE. 
• Maya: Flourished between 300 and 900 CE, known for their advanced astronomical and mathematical achievements, writing, and large urban centers. 
• Aztec: A powerful empire that dominated the region from the 13th century until the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. 

Cultural and Technological Achievements

• Agriculture: The Mesoamerican agricultural revolution led to the cultivation of maize (corn), beans, and squash, which formed the basis of their complex societies. 
• Writing Systems: Several distinct writing systems developed independently in Mesoamerica, including the classic Maya script, which is well-documented and deciphered. 
• Calendars: They developed sophisticated calendrical systems, including a 260-day ritual calendar, used for religious observances and social rituals. 
• Architecture: Monumental architecture, including pyramids, was a common feature, often aligned with celestial events and serving religious or symbolic purposes. 
• Urban Societies: The development of complex, stratified urban societies was a hallmark of Mesoamerica, with impressive cities and sophisticated political and religious structures. 

Historical Periods

Mesoamerican history is often divided into major archaeological periods: 

• Preclassic (Formative) Period: From approximately 1500 BCE to 300 CE, seeing the rise of the Olmec and other early cultures. 
• Classic Period: Roughly from 300 to 950 CE, marked by the height of Maya civilization and the powerful city of Teotihuacán. 
• Postclassic Period: From 950 CE until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, which saw the rise of the Toltec and Aztec empires.

In Mesoamerican cultures, the jaguar was revered for its power, leading to its incorporation into religious beliefs and the worship of jaguar deities by the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec. The Olmec created the “were-jaguar” figure, the Maya had a “Jaguar God of the Underworld,” and the Aztec Tezcatlipoca was a jaguar-associated deity of the night, sorcery, and warriors. In general, the jaguar symbolized authority, power, the night, the underworld, and the sun’s transition between light and darkness.

Olmec (circa 1500-400 BCE)

The Were-Jaguar:

The Olmec’s primary deity or totem was the jaguar, often depicted as an anthropomorphic were-jaguar with feline features like fangs, almond-shaped eyes, and a cleft in its head.

Symbolism:

This were-jaguar symbolized a connection between humans and the powerful, awe-inspiring jaguar, which was deeply impressed upon the early Olmec people.

Connections to other gods:

The Olmec were-jaguar was also associated with the Water God and possibly represented a rain deity, according to some interpretations.

Maya (circa 250-900 CE)

Jaguar God of the Underworld:

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The Maya revered a Jaguar God, often depicted with features like square eyes and a prominent nose, sometimes with a beard like sun rays.

Dual Nature:

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This deity was associated with the underworld and also linked to the sun, possibly symbolizing the sun’s nightly passage.

Patron of Tikal:

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The Jaguar God was the protective deity of the important Maya city of Tikal and was a patron of war.

Aztec (circa 1300-1521 CE)

Tezcatlipoca:

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The Aztec god Tezcatlipoca is perhaps the most famous jaguar deity, associated with night, sorcery, kings, and warriors.

Symbol of Dualities:

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He represented both the darkness and the stars, with his dotted pelt becoming a symbol of the night sky.

Mythological Role:

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In one myth, Tezcatlipoca transformed into a jaguar after being challenged by his brother, Quetzalcóatl, becoming a symbol of transformation and both heaven and earth.

Tepeyollotl:

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Tezcatlipoca also manifested as Tepeyollotl, “Heart of the Mountains,” reflecting the jaguar’s domains in caves and the underworld.

Association with Tlaltecuhtli:

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The fierce earth goddess Tlaltecuhtli was sometimes depicted with jaguar claws, showing the cat’s connection to the earth and fertility.