Nicarao people facts for kids

The Nicarao people were an ancient group who spoke the Nahuat language. They lived in Mesoamerica, a historical region that includes parts of modern-day Mexico and Central America. The Nicarao began moving from central and southern Mexico around 700 CE.

Around 1200 CE, the Nicarao separated from the Pipil people. They then moved into the area we now call Nicaragua. Their move was likely connected to the fall of big cities in Mexico, like Teotihuacan and Tula. It was also linked to the end of the Classic Maya period.

The Nicarao settled in different areas of western Nicaragua. They lived especially near the western shores of Lake Nicaragua. They shared many cultural ideas with both North American and Mexican groups. They also had traditions from their parent tribe, the Toltecs. These included a calendar just like the Toltec one. They also used screenfold books and believed in the Great Spirit. They had similar gods and practiced Nagual mysticism and Tonal spirituality.

The Spanish first met the Nicarao in 1522 CE. This meeting started the Spanish conquest of Nicaragua. At that time, a leader called a cacique ruled the Nicarao. The Spanish called him Nicarao. His main city was Quauhcapolca, close to the modern town of Rivas. The Nicarao had many people living in large villages. Within 100 years of the Spanish arrival, the Nicarao group was largely broken up by the Spanish.

Where the Nicarao Came From and Lived

The Nicarao people started their journey from central and southern Mexico. They moved over several centuries, beginning around 700 CE. By about 1200 CE, the Nicarao had separated from the Pipil people. They then moved into what is now Nicaragua.

This series of migrations likely began because of the fall of the great Mexican city of Teotihuacan. Later, it was also connected to the fall of the Toltec city of Tula. The time when the Nicarao arrived in Nicaragua is also linked to the end of the Classic Maya influence in the region. At the same time, new cultural ideas from the Valley of Mexico became more common.

The Nicarao settled in different areas across western Nicaragua. They might have also lived in what is now northwestern Costa Rica. It is believed they took over land from the Chorotega people who lived there before. The Nicarao seemed to take control of the best farming land. This was especially true around the western parts of Lake Nicaragua and the Gulf of Fonseca. The area known today as Rivas Department was likely taken over by the Nicarao just before the Spanish arrived.

Main Nicarao Settlements

When the Spanish first met the Nicarao, their main city was Quauhcapolca. This city was located near the modern town of Rivas. Other important settlements included Mistega, Ochomogo, Oxmorio, Papagayo, Tecoatega, Teoca, Totoaca, and Xoxoyota.

Meeting the Spanish

The Spanish first encountered the Nicarao in 1522 CE. At that time, the Nicarao lived on the Isthmus of Rivas. Their leader was known as Nicarao. The capital city was Quauhcapolca. The Nicarao had a large population living together in villages.

Within the first 100 years after the Spanish conquest of Nicaragua, the Nicarao population dropped very quickly. This happened because of diseases brought by the Europeans. Many Nicarao people were also forced into slavery. A small group of people who spoke the Nahua language might have still existed in the mid-1800s. However, the Nicarao as a united group are now gone. Still, some of their traditions and beliefs live on among their descendants. These are found among the indigenous people of Central America and Nicaragua today.

Nicarao Culture and Traditions

A Spanish writer named Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés wrote about the Nicarao soon after the Spanish conquest. He noted that the Nicarao practiced cranial modification. This means they shaped the heads of young children by binding them between two pieces of wood. Archaeologists have found ancient burial sites in the Nicarao region. These sites show evidence of both head and tooth shaping.

The Nicarao shared many cultural traits with the Toltecs from central Mexico. They used a calendar that was exactly like the Toltec calendar. They also used screenfold books. They worshipped the Great Spirit and had many gods from the Toltec pantheon. They practiced Tonal mythology and Nagual mysticism. They also had similar agreements or treaties. Like their Mexican relatives from the Aztec culture, they also practiced ritual confession. They performed the volador (flying men) ritual, where people would swing from a tall pole.