Their compositions were transmitted orally , through institutions at which members of the elite would acquire knowledge of literature and other areas of intellectual activity .
Prior to the Spanish Conquest in the early 16th century , the native peoples of Mesoamerica maintained several literary genres .
peoples ' compositions were transmitted orally , through institutions at which members of the elite would acquire knowledge of literature and other areas of intellectual activity .
Prior to the Spanish Conquest in the early 16th century , the native peoples of Mesoamerica maintained several literary genres .