Investigate the importance of cloth production by women to Mayan, Aztec, and Incan society.(1 point) Responses It was tightly controlled by the government, which distributed cloth to those who needed it. It was tightly controlled by the government, which distributed cloth to those who needed it. It was the largest industry, and cloth often served as money. It was the largest industry, and cloth often served as money. It kept the women busy so that they could not interfere in men’s affairs. It kept the women busy so that they could not interfere in men’s affairs. It employed slave labor on a massive scale.
The importance of cloth production by women varied among Mayan, Aztec, and Incan societies. Although some similarities may exist, it is important to note that each civilization had its own unique characteristics and social structures.
1. Mayan Society: Cloth production in Mayan society was highly valued and played a significant role in their economy. Mayan women produced cotton and agave-based textiles using complex weaving techniques. Textiles were not only used for clothing but also served as a form of currency, used for trading and exchanging goods. Cloth production was not tightly controlled by the government; it was a decentralized activity carried out by individual households or small workshops.
2. Aztec Society: Cloth production in Aztec society was also highly important, but it was more centralized and controlled. The government had control over the production and distribution of textiles. The Aztec state, under the supervision of a specialized priesthood, regulated and taxed the production of cloth. It was an essential part of the tribute system, where cloth was collected from conquered provinces and redistributed to meet the needs of the state, religious ceremonies, and the ruling elite. Cloth production in Aztec society also served as a form of wealth and currency.
3. Incan Society: In Incan society, cloth production was a key industry and performed mainly by women. Similar to the Aztecs, the Incan state controlled and regulated the production and distribution of textiles. They established textile workshops, called acllahuasis, where skilled female weavers produced high-quality textiles. These textiles were used as tribute, exchanged in the economy, and as ceremonial offerings to the gods. Cloth production played a significant economic role, providing the Incan state with valuable resources.
In summary, cloth production was a vital industry in Mayan, Aztec, and Incan societies. While it played a role in their economies, acted as currency, and was controlled by the government, the level of control and the specific purposes varied among each civilization. It is important to note that these societies had complex socio-economic structures, and cloth production was just one aspect of their broader cultural practices. Additionally, the statement about employing slave labor on a massive scale is not entirely accurate, as each civilization had different labor systems in place.