It is highly unlikely that there is any stone that influenced both culture as the jade did between the Toltecs and Zapotecs. These beliefs are still being considered by many as a cornerstone of its history.
In the Mesoamerican culture the jade stone was regarded as a gift from heaven. It was seen as a God who gave it special powers to these civilizations, to make their weapons which were carved in this material. Its green color is associated with vegetation, the pure and holy essence of the earth.
The Toltec civilization dominated Mexico in the tenth and twelfth centuries. Their name meant “master builders” and its main characteristic was his nobility and his political genius. They were the ones who first got jade pieces on the continent. They believed that jade helped them with eternal life and it also had the power to take it away. So, when the imperial guards protected their most sacred spaces, a green jade was placed in the center of their chest on their armor.
The Toltec senior women were simple and timid; they were given the complete care of their family and home. Parents also had very marked roles, they should educate and discipline their children and there were large schools that helped them form exceptional leaders and priests of their people.
On the other hand, the Zapotecs were composed of various social levels, from farmers and artisans to priests and builders. If a war arose, it was the fighting men who were forced to go and defend their people. Its most distinctive feature that stood out from other civilization was playing; they took it so seriously that the losers had to be sacrificed.
A great contribution to mankind was their great goldsmith techniques; their jewels collection and their graves were adorned with jade. They also left large sculptures, which they used in their ball games.
Many archaeologists were surprised with the amount of jade stones found in the tombs of these two civilizations. From their jewelry and masks, which took them to the funeral rituals due to their “the resurrected power” and to enjoy happiness in the afterlife.
One of the thoughts that both civilizations considered was the use of jade to farewell their dead, they thought that if it was held for a long time, they were possibly transported to the unknown world; thus, they placed it under the tongue of their decease and then taken to their grave.
Beyond its inexhaustible history, its legacy was the great love and respect they had for the jade stone. A stone that for them and for many people today, is a gift of life to humanity.
ALFA