Mesitzos
Mesitzos are a ethnic group in Slokais Islands, primarily referring to those of mixed Indigenous and Costeno ancestry. Although in recent years the term has been used to all those of mixed racial ancestry. Due to these reasons, estimates of Mesitzos can vary from 35% to 80%[a], although the widely accepted number used by the Census of Slokais Islands, is 35% of the population of Slokais or 23 million people. In addition to the population in Slokais, Mesitzo communities exist in Haesan, Aredoa and Kolda, although these people may identify differently in these countries.
History
The term Mestizos was created in 1525 by a San Fernando writer to refer to children of Costenoian settlers and Indigenous people. In 1530, in a survey of San Fernando Province there were around 15,000 Mesitzos. At the time, another term was used to refer to those of Costeno and Ren ancestry known as Sinjinos. During the 1500s, Mesitzos primarily lived in the countryside outside San Fernando, many being farmers or fishmen.
Modern Usage
Today, Mesitzo is used in society to refer to all of those of mixed racial ancestry. Although the Census has defined Mesitzo as "Those with significant ancestry from two or more ethnic groups". Additionally terms have come into existence for specific sub-groups as the Salvadoristas, those of Koldan and Indigenous ancestry and Providencians to refer to those of Bimhj ethnic and Costenoian ancestry. Although, Mesitzo as a cultural term usually refers to art and culture created by those of mixed ancestry in the San Fernando river valley.
Notes
- ↑ Includes all those which have at least some amount of ancestry in two or more ethnic groups