Zinacantán, Mexico

History

In pre-Columbian times before the conquerors' arrival, Zinacantán already had strong economic links with the Aztecs in Central Mexico. Zinacantecans exchanged their products (such as salt, amber and feathers) with Aztec traders, who originally had to disguise themselves as locals so as to avoid harassment. Eventually an Aztec military campaign forced some concessions from Zinacantan, possibly protection for movement to the Aztec exclave of Soconusco, and an Aztec garrison may have been constructed here. However, Zinacantan did not pay tribute and was not incorporated into the Aztec Empire.

The first missionaries who came to evangelize the native inhabitants in Zinacantán were the Dominican Friars. They settled in Zinacantan in the 16th century and built a wooden chapel to begin their mission. These missionaries left Zinacantán before they were expelled from Mexico by the government in the 17th century. They resumed their pastoral work in Zinacantan in 1976.

By the 19th century cacao, tobacco, and coffee were also sold by Zinacantec merchants.

An important development in Zinacantán was the construction of the Pan American Highway, which significantly improved the mobility and prosperity of the Zinacanteco population, as it enabled them to easily transport goods to market such as maize and flowers.

From the History section of Zinacantán on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.