Elite class

Definition

The elite class refers to a small group of individuals who hold significant power, wealth, and privilege within a society. This group often influences cultural, political, and economic decisions, shaping the community's values and norms. In many ancient societies, including the Moche, the elite class played a crucial role in religious practices and artistic expression, reflecting their status and authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Moche society, the elite class was often associated with powerful political figures, such as rulers and priests, who had control over resources and decision-making.
2. The elite class in Moche culture is reflected in their art, especially in the intricately designed pottery and monumental architecture that showcased their wealth and influence.
3. Burial practices among the elite included elaborate tombs filled with offerings, indicating their high status and the importance of their role in society.
4. The elite class played a central role in Moche religious practices, which often involved ritual ceremonies to appease gods and ensure agricultural fertility.
5. The wealth of the elite class was primarily derived from agriculture, trade, and tribute from commoners, highlighting the economic disparity within Moche society.

Review Questions

• How did the elite class in Moche society influence artistic expression and religious practices?
  • The elite class in Moche society significantly influenced artistic expression through their patronage of skilled artisans who created intricate pottery and metalwork reflecting their status. Their wealth allowed them to commission elaborate artworks that depicted religious themes and their own power. Additionally, the elite's involvement in religious practices meant that they were central to ceremonial events, where they acted as intermediaries between the gods and the common people, reinforcing their authority.
• Analyze how the social hierarchy within Moche society affected the distribution of resources and power among its members.
  • The social hierarchy in Moche society created a clear division between the elite class and commoners. The elite controlled significant resources, including land and agricultural production, which allowed them to maintain their power and influence. This distribution of resources also meant that commoners were often subject to tribute systems or labor demands from the elite, creating economic disparities that reinforced social stratification. The concentration of power among the elite ultimately shaped societal dynamics and governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the elite class on Moche civilization's development and eventual decline.
  • The elite class played a pivotal role in the development of Moche civilization through their ability to mobilize resources for large-scale projects such as irrigation systems and monumental architecture. However, this concentration of power also created tensions within society as commoners faced heavy burdens under elite rule. Over time, these social stresses may have contributed to internal conflicts or weakened societal cohesion, which are believed to be factors in the eventual decline of Moche civilization. Understanding this dynamic illustrates how elite power can both drive cultural achievements and lead to societal instability.

Related terms

Moche: An ancient civilization that thrived on the northern coast of Peru from around 100 to 800 AD, known for its advanced pottery, architecture, and complex societal structure.

Social Hierarchy: A system of organization within a society that ranks individuals based on various criteria such as wealth, status, and occupation, often placing the elite class at the top.

Religion: A system of beliefs and practices often centered around spiritual or supernatural elements that plays a significant role in shaping the values and norms of a society.