mixte

Mixte is a French adjective meaning mixed or blended, used to describe things composed of different elements or origins. It can also function as a noun in some contexts to refer to mixed characteristics, backgrounds, or populations. In English-language writing, the term “Mixte” is commonly encountered in reference to the Mixtec people when anglicized as Mixtec or Mixteca, though the French sense remains distinct.

The Mixtec (often written Mixtec in English, Spanish: Mixtecos) are an indigenous group native to the Mexican state of Oaxaca, with communities also in parts of Guerrero and Puebla. They have a long pre-Columbian history and have played a significant role in the cultural and political landscape of southern Mexico. The Mixtecs traditionally organize themselves into communities with strong genealogical and ceremonial traditions, many of which persist in contemporary life.

Language and writing are central to Mixtec identity. The Mixtecan languages form a branch of the Oto-Manguean language family, and there is no single language called “Mixte.” Instead, there are multiple closely related languages and numerous dialects. Historically, Mixtec writing is best known for pictorial codices that record genealogies, cosmologies, and historical events; today these languages are often written with standardized orthographies using the Latin alphabet, and bilingual education programs exist in some communities.

Culture and economy in Mixte regions traditionally emphasize agriculture, weaving, and crafts such as embroidery and metalworking. In the modern era, many Mixtec communities experience language shift and migration, creating efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage through education, cultural associations, and regional media.