Totonacs
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|
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 Mexico (Veracruz)
|
411,266 |
| Languages | |
| Totonac languages, Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| Indigenous Religion, Christianity | |
The Totonac /ˈtoʊtoʊˌnɑːk/ people resided in the eastern coastal and mountainous regions of Mexico at the time of the Spanish arrival in 1519. Today they reside in the states of Veracruz, Puebla, and Hidalgo. They are one of the possible builders of the pre-Columbian city of El Tajín, and further maintained quarters in Teotihuacán (a city which they claim to have built). Until the mid-19th century they were the world's main producers of vanilla.
The term "totonac" refers to the people living in Totonacapan. Some authors have translated the term "totonac" as a Nahuatl word meaning "People of Hot Land". The translation for this word according to the Totonac Language is "tutunacu" meaning "Three Hearts" signifying their three cities or cultural centers; Cempoala, Tajin and Teayo.
In the 15th century, the Aztecs labeled the region of the Totonac "Totonacapan"; which then extended roughly from Papantla in the north to Cempoala in the south. Totonacapan was largely hot and humid. Along with the normal agricultural crops of maize, manioc, squash, beans, pumpkin and chili peppers, the region was noted for its production of liquid amber and cotton. Even during the disastrous central Mexican famine of 1450-1454, the region remained a reliable agricultural center. At that time, many Aztecs were forced to sell themselves or their family members as slaves to the Totonac in exchange for subsistence maize.
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Wikipedia