Castes System

During what period did the caste system exist in New Spain?

• 1400–1500 CE

• 1535–1810 CE

• 1600–1900 CE

• 1800–1900 CE

Which three continents mainly contributed to the diverse societies of New Spain?

• Europe, Asia, and Africa

• Europe, Africa, and the Americas

• Africa, Asia, and Oceania

• North America, Asia, and Europe

What was the main purpose of the caste system?

• To mix different cultures equally

• To promote education among all groups

• To maintain control and dominance by the Spaniards

• To eliminate social divisions

What determined a person’s position in the caste system?

• Their wealth and education

• Their religion

• Their skin color and ancestry

• Their language

Approximately how many castes were identified in the system?

• 10

• 12

• 16

• 18

What were some of the names of the castes?

• Hidalgo, Criollo, Mestizo

• Cambujo, Lobo, Mestizo, Mulatto, Saltaatrás

• Indio, Español, Africano

• Negro, Blanco, Pardo

What artistic form helps historians learn about the caste system?

• Sculptures

• Paintings

• Architecture

• Literature

How were caste paintings typically organized?

• As one large mural of all castes

• As 16 individual portraits or a grid divided into 16 boxes

• As a written list with descriptions

• As drawings in books

What do caste paintings reveal about New Spain society?

• Their food and musical traditions

• The occupations, clothing, and racial discrimination of the time

• The political laws and royal decrees

• The geography and economy of the region

Why can caste paintings be considered valuable historical sources today?

• They show artistic techniques used by modern painters

• They provide visual evidence of social inequality and daily life in New Spain

• They contain secret messages written by the nobles

• They were the first form of photography in the Americas