Investigate the importance of cloth production by women to Mayan, Aztec, and Incan society.(1 point)
1 It was the largest industry, and cloth often served as money.
2 It was tightly controlled by the government, which distributed cloth to those who needed it.
3 It employed slave labor on a massive scale.
4 It kept the women busy so that they could not interfere in men’s affairs.
The importance of cloth production by women to Mayan, Aztec, and Incan society can be attributed to several key reasons, as outlined below:
1) It was the largest industry, and cloth often served as money: Cloth production was a significant economic activity in these civilizations. Textiles were a crucial commodity and often served as a form of currency, especially in the Aztec and Inca societies. This highlights the economic significance of cloth production as it contributed to the wealth and prosperity of these civilizations.
2) It was tightly controlled by the government, which distributed cloth to those who needed it: In these civilizations, cloth production was often regulated by the state. The rulers or the government controlled the production and distribution of textiles, ensuring that cloth was allocated to those who needed it. This centralized control was aimed at maintaining social order and preventing scarcity or hoarding of essential goods.
3) It employed slave labor on a massive scale: The production of cloth in these civilizations often involved the use of slave labor. Slaves, captured during conquests or obtained through other means, were put to work in various aspects of the textile industry. The exploitation of slave labor enabled the civilizations to meet the increasing demand for textiles, resulting in a thriving industry.
4) It kept the women busy so that they could not interfere in men’s affairs: While it is true that women were primarily responsible for cloth production in these societies, it is inaccurate to say that this role was solely designed to keep them busy and prevent them from interfering in men's affairs. While textile production was predominantly carried out by women, they held significant power and influence within the societies. Women's roles extended beyond cloth production and included various economic, social, and religious responsibilities. They played critical roles in decision making, trade, and maintaining the overall functioning of the civilizations.
In summary, cloth production was of great significance to Mayan, Aztec, and Incan society due to its economic importance, role as a form of currency, government control and distribution, use of slave labor, and the role it played in women's societal contributions and influence.