The ethnic groups of Nuevo León disappeared from this territory after the arrival of the Spanish. Among the reasons that could influence the hostile relationship with the Spanish and the epidemics stand out.
On the one hand, the relations of the natives who inhabited this area with the peninsular were characterized by hostility and aggression, especially when the former were taken as slaves.
On the other hand, mortality due to the epidemics that developed at the time contributed in large part to its extinction.
Thus, in the eighteenth century the ethnic groups of Nuevo Leon were practically nonexistent. In 1775 it was found that there were no native peoples in this Mexican state.
Ethnic groups of Nuevo León at the arrival of the Spaniards
In pre-Hispanic times, the settlers of what is now known as Nuevo León were collectively called"Chichimecas".
To the north of present-day Monterrey were the Alazapas. The huachichiles dwelt to the south of this same city. And the coahuiltecos and the erased lived to the west and the east, respectively.
The first Spaniards gave different names to the ethnic groups of Nuevo Leon. These names were especially related to some physical characteristics. For example, some of the groups could be distinguished as erasers, chicks, scratches or pellets.
These native inhabitants lived from hunting, fishing and gathering. They hunted all kinds of animals, except frogs and lizards.
Deer were the most precious prey. When one was hunted, the site was marked and the women were sent to bring the prey home.
On the other hand, fishing was practiced by both sexes. This was done with bow and arrow, with nets or with the hand.
As for their mobile settlements, these varied in size, but were generally small. Each hut housed 8 to 10 people, even more.
These huts were covered by cane or grass, and had few entrances. They used the fire in the center of the hut, above all to give illumination.
Ethnic groups of Nuevo León at present
Nowadays, the ethnic groups of Nuevo León come from other regions. These groups move to the state to seek better opportunities.
The Population and Housing census carried out in 2010 showed that only 1% of the population of this entity spoke an indigenous language. Of these the Nahuatl, the Huasteco and the Otomí stand out.
For its part, the Atlas of Indigenous Peoples of Mexico shows 43 records in that entity for the year 2015. Among the most numerous in terms of number of people are Nahuatl (41,405), Huasteco (11,705), Otomí (3,310), Zapotec (1,808) and totonaco (1,145). There are also ethnic groups with a single registered representative, such as Guarijío or Paipai.
Monterrey, the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, is the municipality where the largest number of indigenous ethnic groups live. These represent 1% of the total municipal population. This municipality is followed by García and Juárez.
References
- Why are there no Indians in Nuevo Leon? (2017, July 06). In Journal Culture. Retrieved on September 29, 2017, diariocultura.mx.
- Alanis Flores, G. J. (2008). Ancient ethnic groups of the north of Nuevo Leon and the use of native flora. In Science UANL, No. 2, Vol. 11, pp. 140-144.
- Ortiz, A. (1983). Handbook of North American Indians, Southwest. Washington D.C.: Government Printing Office.
- New Lion. History. (s / f). Encyclopedia of Municipalities and Delegations of Mexico. Retrieved on September 29, 2017, desiglo.inafed.gob.mx.
- INEGI. Population and Housing Census 2010. (2011). Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from beta.inegi.org.mx.
- Garza, K. (2017, May 01). Nuevo Leon has 56 indigenous languages. In Info 07. Recovered on September 26, 2017, from nfo7.mx.