Pre-Conquest Latin America Indigenous Cultures

Latin America, prior to the conquests, was comprised of various indigenous cultures.  The map below outlines where various of these cultures were situated.  

Arawak:

The Arawak were situated throughout South America.  They actually originated in the area that was later occupied by the Caribs, who defeated them (the Lower Antilles).  They are thought to have been the first indigenous population to meet Columbus as seen below.

Aztecs:

The Aztecs, situated in current day Mexico, were believed to have sacrificed humans on pyramids such as the one depicted below.  The Aztec calendar is one of the most famous indigenous sculptures and portrays the Aztec universe.  

http://www.crystalinks.com/azteculture.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/aztecalendar.html

Caribs:

As their name suggests, the Caribs were an indigenous population that resided along the northern coast of South America, and the lower Antilles.  Because of their proximity to the ocean, they were skilled sailors and boat-makers.  

A Carib Family

A Carib Building a Boat

Mayans:

The Mayans, are also known for the religious architecture and artifacts.  Below can be found a Mayan ruin, as well as a sample of pre-Columbian ceramics.  

http://www.worldmuseumofman.org/display.php?item=1008

Mixtec/Zapotec

These two groups were the largest indigenous groups in Southern Mexico.  

Below is a video clip which speaks more about this culture and Zapotec lifestyle.

Muisca:

The Muisca were an indigenous group largely situated in Columbia.  Several of their economic activities including mining, farming and weaving.  The Muisca are also very well known for their gold work. Below is an image of this famed gold work.  

Below is a image of Muisca temple ruin, it is believed that the Muisca's did offer child sacrifices to their gods.

Incas:

The Inca's were arguably the most civilized indigenous population.  Machu Picchu, a popular tourist destination, is home to thousands of Inca artifacts, including the ones below.

http://www.artsjournal.com/realcleararts/2010/03/machu_picchu.html

http://morrisonworldnews.com/?p=40787

Totanac:

The Totanac resided in eastern Mexico upon the arrival of the Spanish.  They are well known for the vanilla which they produced (and still produce!) Their economy was based mainly on agriculture, but they also were excellent weavers.  In the image below, several Totanacs perform the Voladores, a ritual which is believed to be performed to ask the gods to bring rain, or end a drought.  

A Totanac Weaving Sample

Tupi:

The Tupi were a cannibalistic tribe that lived along Brazil's Atlantic coast.  The scarce amount of literature found on the Tupi Indians would indicate that not much is known about them.  They were largely wiped out due to European slavery and diseases. The painting below was done by Alberta Eckhout, a Dutchman who was encouraged to record and paint this strange new land (Brazil).