Mixteca Alta Formative Project facts for kids

The Mixteca Alta Formative Project is an exciting archaeological adventure! It started in 2003 and is still going strong. This project helps us learn about the ancient Mixtec people who lived in Oaxaca, Mexico. It's like a giant puzzle, trying to figure out how these amazing people began and how they started building big towns and cities.

What is the Mixteca Alta Formative Project?

This project is a big research effort. It's led by an archaeologist named Andrew Balkansky. His team wants to understand the early history of the Mixtec people. They are especially interested in how the Mixtec first settled down. They also study how these early communities grew into larger, more organized places.

Who are the Mixtec People?

The Mixtec were an important group of people in ancient Mexico. They lived in a region called Oaxaca. They had a rich culture and history. They were known for their beautiful art and advanced writing systems. This project helps us learn about their very first steps as a civilization.

Where is Oaxaca, Mexico?

Oaxaca is a state in the southern part of Mexico. It's a place with a long and fascinating history. Many ancient cultures, including the Mixtec, lived there. The Mixteca Alta is a highland region within Oaxaca. It's a key area for understanding these ancient civilizations.

What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is the study of human history. It involves digging up old sites and artifacts. Archaeologists are like detectives. They use clues left behind by people from the past. These clues can be tools, pottery, or even old buildings. By studying these things, archaeologists learn about how people lived long ago.

What Does "Formative" Mean?

In archaeology, "Formative" refers to a time period. It's when early societies began to develop. People started farming more, and villages grew larger. This period often leads to the rise of complex societies. For the Mixtec, the project studies this important time. It looks at how they changed from small groups to bigger communities.

Where Are They Digging?

The project team is currently working at an ancient site. This site is called Tayata. It's a special place where archaeologists can find many clues. Digging carefully helps them uncover old houses, tools, and other items. Each discovery helps piece together the story of the Mixtec.

Who Helps Fund This Important Work?

Big archaeological projects need a lot of support. The Mixteca Alta Formative Project gets funding from several groups. These include the National Science Foundation. They also get help from the National Geographic Society. Another supporter is the H. John Heinz III Fund. Their help makes it possible to continue this important research.