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Show i9oo] SOUTHWESTERN INDIANS 189 most advanced in civilization of the Mexican peoples. In northern Mexico remains are found which indicate a culture intermediate between that of the Pueblo and that of the groups just mentioned. Many of the Mexican tribes are still living under almost primitive conditions, but practically all of them have been influenced more or less by the Spaniards and by later European culture. The present descendants of the older and more civilized peoples, including approximately two million Nahua, know practically nothing of the culture of their forefathers and lead a relatively simple life, though they still cling tenaciously to many of their former customs and refuse to adopt the new civilization around them. That a considerable advance towards 9ivilization had been made by these peoples before the arrival of the Spaniards is indicated, not only by the accounts of their conquerors, but also by the very numerous remains that have been discovered, especially within recent years. The earlier accounts were painted in glowing colors, and while at first accepted and later discredited, are now generally believed to contain a considerable element of truth, though in many places distorted through lack of appreciation of native customs and beliefs, and in other cases exaggerated. The most important of the remains are found on the sites of ancient cities, and the architecture of the buildings themselves is one of the most impor- |
