Lakes, Canoes, and the Aquatic Communities of Xochimilco and Chalco, New Spain

Canoes were central to the aquatic societies of Lakes Xochimilco and Chalco, enabling Nahuas to sustain diverse economic activities and integrate commercially with Mexico City. This historical study reveals how canoe transportation facilitated cross-cultural exchanges, shaped regional economies, and allowed Nahuas to navigate colonial institutions while preserving their prosperity. By analyzing the role of waterways in pre-colonial and colonial New Spain, the research highlights the strategic importance of aquatic infrastructure in sustaining lakeside communities and their economic resilience.

Conway, R. (2012). Lakes, Canoes, and the Aquatic Communities of Xochimilco and Chalco, New Spain. Ethnohistory, 59(3), 541–568. https://doi.org/10.1215/00141801-1587460