The 16th century in New Spain was a period of profound changes, always marked by the oscillation between the indigenous cultural components and those of European origin. During the conquest there were violent battles, such as the one held at Tenochtitlan, but also alliances and negotiations, such as those that took place in Tlaxcala.
The Spaniards removed or destroyed the sculptures of indigenous deities, persecuted the ancient priests, and forbade ritual sacrifices. The friars began baptizing indigenous people and instructing them in the Catholic religion.
The sound of the drums in the temples was replaced by the church bells in order to announce the Liturgy of the Hours, although some Pre- Columbian dances continued being practiced, accompanied by the rhythm of smaller drums.
The artisans adapted the Mesoamerican techniques to craft objects for the Catholic worship, such as baptismal fonts, sculptures of Christ and the saints, ceramic objects, feather banners, and gold ornaments.
In the field of the government and civil life, some of the indigenous nobility preserved their identity, customs, and traditional authorities. They became “pueblos de indios”, and each of them had its own town hall or government. Despite losing their lands and the burdens of the tax laws, several populations managed to maintain a way of life based on their former economic activities, incorporating some technological innovations, such as the use of iron, the pulley, and the waterwheel.
Over time, indigenous nobility assimilated European customs. The leaders adopted the use of the cape, the sword, and the hat, and many of them learned how to ride horses.
