Women and their Social Position – The Mayan Civilization
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Women were highly important to the family economy as they crafted ceramic utensils, designed pottery pieces sculpted or carved as sculptures, and wove cotton to make garments. They also raised animals for food or as pets and were responsible for preparing meals and beverages for religious festivals.
They did not participate in religious ceremonies involving human sacrifices, except for certain festivals where elderly women attended. In the Postclassic period, women did not engage in self-sacrifice, but in the Classic period, at least those of high rank did.
For the Maya, kamnicté (marriage) was arranged by the parents and had economic or alliance purposes. A clear example of this was the blood relationship that united the rulers of Tortuguero and Palenque, as Pakal II is believed to have married the Red Queen of Tortuguero, which undoubtedly motivated Pakal II’s expansionist sentiment and solidified Tortuguero as a defensive and counter-defensive barrier for Palenque. Additionally, among other customs, the newly married man lived under the orders of his father-in-law for a variable period, which could sometimes extend up to five years.
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