Mexico and the Mexican Indian A series of six programmes 4: The People of the Valley
The valley of Oaxaca was the home of the greatest craftsmen of Mexico-the Zapotec and the Mixtec. Although they were conquered by the Aztec, they managed to retain their own traditions and descendants of both still live in the valley today; still working in metal and still making traditional pots.
In 1932 excavations of an ancient Mixtec burial revealed one of the most important treasures ever found in Mexico - nine skeletons surrounded by vast quantities of jade, turquoise and gold. An indication of the high point that Mixtec culture had reached over a thousand years ago. Narrated by IAN HOLM
Film editor RAOUL SOBEL
Photography JOHN HOOPER
Executive producer BRUCE NORMAN Written and produced by ANNA BENSON GYLES