The Mayans - Their Trade And Economy

The Mayans had a complex system of trade and economy throughout their entire history. This truth is, contrary to early statements, the Mayans actually had strong commercial ties with other Mesoamerican cultures from all over Central and South America.

This trade network initially began as a linear route that ran from the Guatemala up to Mexico throughout the Preclassic period (around 2000 BC to 300 AD). As time goes by, this trading network would transform and shift in line with political and economic necessities. One of many primary trading hubs of the Mayan trade route include important city states like Kaminaljuyu and Taka'lik A'baj.

Development of trading networks of the Mayans.

The favorable relation with their neighbors plus their specialization in certain trading goods paved way for these trading networks to blossom. The specialized area of trading relationship was influenced largely by the provision of resources between trading partners plus the expansion of merchant class.

Clearly, the broad trade conducted by the Mayans would precipitate an increase in knowledge transfer with their neighbors. With such, it was only a matter of time before the Mayan literature, mathematics and astronomic expertise would be diffused to many other Mesoamerican cultures and also tribes.

Jade, Turquoise and Some Other Luxury Items

Among the most valued luxury items traded by the Mayans were Jade, Obsidian and Turquoise. Jade was a valued trade commodity because the Mayans thought that it possesses sacred powers helpful to rulers. Turquoise alternatively was believed by the Mayans to be a material held dear by the Mayan gods and was believed to be associated with smoke.

These gems as well as other green colored objects were valued by the Mayans because they were believed to be a mystical link to their gods as well as their semi-divine rulers.

Traders and The Impacts of Commerce on Mayan Society

Predictably, a large class of merchants eventually produced as a result of the relatively vast Mayan trade network. These merchants would inevitably end up part of the middle class, together with artisans and other specialists who helped increase the need for further commerce and production within Mayan society.

It was up to the merchants to handle large scale trade with the Mayan's neighbors, to moving around from one point of the Mayan trade network to another. The transport of the merchant's merchandise was carried out by paid porters, considering the absence of the wheel along with pack animals in Mesoamerica.

Among the most typical goods that Mayans traded are Salt, Cotton Vanilla, Obsidian, Cacao and Vanilla. Other resources such as Pyrite, Quartz, Magnatite, Clay and Cinnabar were also commonly exchanged for usage in the creation of mirrors, arms, dyes, ceramics and also clothes.

A large number of goods were a part of everyday Mayan life, so much so that even salt and chocolate were believed to be basic goods by even the lower classes of society. Other goods that are traded, yet which were not necessarily used for the fabrication of any particular kind of product were Jaguar skins, Quetzal feathers, Shells, Macaw feathers in addition to several other animal furs. Like Jade and Obsidian, these furs were utilized mainly for decoration or adornment by the upper class to signify their rank as well as social position.

The Value of Commerce

The Mayan civilization was very dependent on trade. Actually, one of many main reasons why the Mayan civilization collapsed was that its trade routes fell apart. The decrease in trade brought about a breakdown of prosperity, which in the long run contributed to the decline of Mayan society.

To summarize, the Mayans achieved positive results greatly from business. It actually was the source of luxury products such as Jade and Turquoise for the upper classes. Trade delivered commoners with Obsidian and Salt for their work and daily needs correspondingly. And as trade increased so did the power of the sellers, who in fact contributed to the success of Mayan civilization right until their very end.

Some good links:

* Mayan Ruins
* Mayan History