An historical perspective reveals that sophisticated mathematical activity has been going on in the Latino culture for thousands of years. This paper provides a general definition of the area of mathematics education that deals with issues of culture and mathematics (ethnomathematics) and defines what is meant by the term Latino in this essay. Discussion includes pre-Columbian mathematics (the vigesimal systems of the Olmecs and Aztecs and the decimal system of the Incas with recommendations to teachers for teaching of these systems), commentary on pre-Columbian mathematics, mathematical activity in Latin America, and Latino mathematicians in the United States. Contains 34 references. (MKR)