Click or tap on the image to enlarge, "After that they began to talk about the creation and the making of our first mother and father; of yellow corn and of white corn they made their flesh; of corn meal dough they made the arms and the legs of man. Only dough of corn meal went into the flesh of our first fathers, the four men, who were created." Based on these two pieces of evidence, how would you describe the role of maize (corn) in Mesoamerican societies? \( \begin{array}{l}\text { Mesoamericans thought maize was used to choice to answer the question. } \\ \text { create the gods. } \\ \begin{array}{l}\text { Mesoamericans believed that their society } \\ \text { would never have existed without maize. } \\ \text { Mesoamericans knew how to grind maize to } \\ \text { make cornmeal, }\end{array} \\ \text { Mesoamericans distributed maize equally } \\ \text { among their population, regardless of social } \\ \text { status. }\end{array} \)

Based on the provided evidence, maize (corn) played a central and sacred role in Mesoamerican societies. Here’s a detailed description of its significance: 1. **Creation Mythology**: The text indicates that Mesoamericans believed maize was integral to the creation of humanity. The reference to the first mother and father being made from yellow and white corn highlights the deep spiritual connection between maize and human existence. This suggests that maize was not just a staple food but also a vital element in their cosmology and identity. 2. **Foundation of Society**: The belief that their society would not exist without maize underscores its importance as a foundational element of Mesoamerican culture. It implies that maize was essential for survival and prosperity, serving as a primary source of sustenance that supported the population. 3. **Culinary Practices**: The knowledge of grinding maize to make cornmeal reflects the advanced agricultural and culinary practices of Mesoamericans. This skill was crucial for creating various food products, which were central to their diet and daily life. 4. **Social Equity**: The idea that maize was distributed equally among the population, regardless of social status, suggests that it held a unifying role within Mesoamerican societies. This practice may have fostered a sense of community and shared identity, as maize was a common resource that transcended social hierarchies. In summary, maize was not only a vital agricultural product but also a symbol of life, community, and cultural identity in Mesoamerican societies. Its role in creation myths, sustenance, culinary practices, and social equity illustrates its multifaceted significance in their civilization.