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Refer to the mid-sixteenth century tapestry below to answer question 10. a3 Wh...

Oct 5, 2023

Refer to the mid-sixteenth century tapestry below to answer question 10. a3 Which of the following statements most accurately describes the encounter between the conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec leader Moctezuma as depicted above? A Cortés, who is only accompanied by a woman, is weaker because Moctezuma has several soldiers with him. B Cortés and Moctezuma are equals because they are both pointing at each other which indicates reciprocity. C The tapestry recognizes the important role indigenous women played as translators and cultural mediators between Europeans and Native Americans. D Moctezuma is accepting Cortés’ offer to marry his sister, who is dressed in traditional Aztec garb in order to signify she has joined the indigenous royal family.

Key Concept

KC-1.2.II: The arrival of Europeans in the Western Hemisphere in the 15th and 16th centuries triggered extensive demographic and social changes on both sides of the Atlantic.

Explanation

The tapestry depicts the encounter between Hernán Cortés and Moctezuma, with a woman standing next to Cortés. This woman is likely La Malinche, an indigenous woman who played a crucial role as a translator and cultural mediator between the Spanish and the Aztecs. This image does not necessarily depict equality, weakness, or marriage proposals, but it does highlight the significant role indigenous women like La Malinche played in these historical encounters.

Who was La Malinche?, What role did indigenous women play in the encounters between Europeans and Native Americans?, How did the arrival of Europeans impact the indigenous societies in the Americas?