Explore the The Conquest in Oaxaca (Huaxyacac) about the Colonial Panel of this artwork, Oaxaca en la historia y en el mito.
In the image above, the Spanish leader stands below a gallows type structure, possibly used for public hangings. The Spanish invaders have swords and long poles. An indigenous person is held in the stock while the Spaniard appears to be poking him.
The indigenous people, dressed in white, have only poles. Their white costumes reflect the restrictions that the Spanish rulers placed on clothing.These figures represent the initial conflict of the Spaniards with the indigenous peoples of Oaxaca: Amuzgos, Mixtecs, Nahuas, Triquis, Zapotecos and more. In November 1521, just three months after conquering Tenochtitlán, (Mexico City), Hernán Cortés sent Francisco de Orozco and 400 Aztec warriors to take Huaxyacac as it was known then and Oaxaca, as it is called today. They travelled over 400 kilometers from Tenochtitlán (Mexico City). Hernan Cortés never visited the area, although he was granted 23,000 vassals and properties of more than 11,500 km2. Spanish administrators and settlers took the land from established people and also demanded tribute. Cortés also claimed the land where Oaxaca stands today but the residents objected and in the end the King of Spain agreed with them.
A tightly packed group of people, such as García Bustos depicts is a common feature of Mexican muralists, like Diego Rivera. This reflects the Marxist view of history, that events are shaped by a struggle between a large group of the under-privileged class, against a small group of the privileged class that is holding power. The Spanish established the community called Antequera in 1529. After the War of Independence (1810–21) it was named Oaxaca.
Oaxaca Hernán Cortés Mixtec Mexica Zapotec Diego Rivera conquering Tenochtitlán War of Independence Tenochtitlán Independence Aztec warriors Antequera Hernan Cortés indigenous peoples of Oaxaca mural