Ancient history

What did Mayan slaves wear?

The ancient Maya civilization flourished in Mesoamerica from the pre-Classical to the post-Classical period (c. 2000 BC - c. 1500 AD). Maya society was highly stratified, with a powerful elite class and a large population of commoners and slaves. Slaves were an important part of the Maya economy, and they were used for a variety of purposes, including agricultural labour, construction, and domestic service.

Maya slaves were typically obtained through warfare or trade, and they were often from other ethnic groups or conquered territories. They were considered to be the property of their owners, and they had no rights or legal standing. Slaves were often branded or tattooed to indicate their status, and they were sometimes subjected to harsh treatment and abuse.

The clothing worn by Maya slaves varied depending on the region and the specific tasks they performed. In general, slaves wore simple loincloths or tunics, and they often went barefoot. They may also have worn sandals or other forms of footwear to protect their feet while working.

In some cases, Maya slaves were required to wear distinctive clothing that indicated their status. For example, in the Yucatan region, male slaves were sometimes required to wear a special type of loincloth that was made from a rough material and had a red stripe running down the center. Female slaves in the same region were sometimes required to wear a dress made from a similar material, and they may also have been required to wear a veil.

The clothing worn by Maya slaves reflected their low status in society. They were not expected to dress in the same way as free Maya, and they were not allowed to wear the elaborate clothing and jewellery that was reserved for the elite class.