Articles
The Toltecs
In studies of Mesoamerican culture, the word Toltec is used
in two different ways. On the one hand, it refers to mythical ancestors
mentioned in Aztec stories. On the other hand, it also refers to pre-Colombian
people of central Mexico. There is much debate over which viewpoint is
correct.
Originally, scholars believe the Toltecs to be an ethnic
group. The Toltecs were said to have dominated central Mexico between the 10th
and 12th centuries. In this view, the Toltecs came from the ancient
city of Tula. There, they built buildings, tombs, and ball courts with such
skill that later cultures copied them.
The Toltecs were strong influences on other cultures,
especially the Aztec peoples. Other cultures copied Toltec art, religion, and
buildings. They were so revered that later Mayan and Aztec rulers claimed to be
descended from the Toltecs.
For those who see the Toltecs as an Aztec myth, clues can be
found in the ancient language of the Aztec civilization. Among the
Nahuatl-speaking peoples, the word ÒToltecaÓ meant an artisan or wise man.
ÒToltecnessÓ, meanwhile, stood for art, culture, and civilization Ð all those
things which savage nomads were not (at least in their eyes). These definitions
imply that almost any peoples could have been referred to as Toltec, regardless
of their cultural background or ethnicity.
There are challenges inherent in studying Aztec documents to
seek clues on Toltec identity. Mythology and historic fact were interwoven in
Aztec Society. Further archaeological study is expected to yield interesting
results in the future. At the very least, it will confirm or deny whether the
Toltec were an ethnic group or an Aztec myth.
Along with other Mesoamerican cultures, the Toltecs loved
their ball game. In honor of the game, they built huge ball courts. They may
even have sacrificed the losers. They were skilled builders, and their
building designs were extensively copied throughout the region.
While the Toltecs were polytheistic, two gods dominated the
religious life of the Toltec. Quetzelcoatl, the plumed serpent, was the god of
all learning, philosophy, books, culture, gentility, and even fertility. While
some believe that the Toltecs introduced this god, in fact he had been
worshipped extensively throughout Mesoamerica by earlier cultures. His enemy,
Tezcatlipoca, was represented by a smoked mirror. This war god was knownfor his
cruelty and tyranny.
To the ancient Toltecs, it was possible to transcend the
physical world and attain heightened degrees of awareness. Students worked to
master Awareness, Transformation, and Intent. In Awareness, a student would be
encouraged to know himself, developing the courage to face what he sees. In
Transformation, the knowledge that was gained during the awareness phase is used
to effect changes in the studentÕs life. In essence, students transform
themselves.
The Atlantes Ð columns in the form of Toltec warriors in Tula.
A rather expressive orange-ware clay vessel in
the Toltec style.
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