The Importance of Maize to Culture in the Americas
In the Americas there is one grain that was and is essential to
life, maize. This has been called the staff of life, and has been
characterized as the "blood" of the people. The production of this grain
has provided the calories that enabled populations to grow, in some cases,
to immense proportions. Maize has allowed the great civilizations of the
Americas to build some of the most spectacular prehistoric cities, and
monuments in the world. There is a rich amount of lore and stories that
surround this most important staple. It has become more than just that
which feeds the populations that created these spectacular and fascinating
cultures of the Americas. It has become an indicator of well-being, and
the mother of all of the people. In some cases this is what the people
are made of. Scientifically, the people made this productive plant what
it is today, and this symbiotic relationship has been one of great
importance.
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