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Cacao and the Ancient Maya Cacao, a plant that produces small beans used in the production of chocolate, is native to Mesoamerica and was a very important component of Ancient Mayan diet, life and economy. Cacao was used primarily in social gatherings by the elite, given to the gods, and valued as currency. Today, its role as a traditional food resonates in Modern Mayan societies by serving as a key ingredient to Mayan recipes and special dishes. Mayan Preparation of Cacao

Ancient Mayan preparation of cacao began with the fruit, or bean, of the plant commonly know as the "Chocolate Tree" (Sharer 32). The Maya prepared cacao by grinding the cacao beans into a paste and then, mixing the ground cacao beans with water and spices to make a slightly bitter beverage. The unique beverage was served in ceremonial and social gatherings.

The original version of the cacao drink was much like today's version of hot chocolate without sugar or milk.

Role in the Ancient Mayan Diet

Mayas gathered around cacao to celebrate various types of events. At festivals, the Ancient Maya often served "roasted fowl, bread and drink of cacao in abundance" (Tozzer quoted in LeCount, 944). As with many cultures, the food and beverage served at festivals play an integral part of the festivities and helps put the attendees in a celebratory mood.

Cacao was also enjoyed on a daily basis. "Ground chocolate beans from cacao arboriculture were a part of daily subsistence for Maya elites and commoners. Among the Maya daily routine began (and often still begins) with a drink of thick, bitter hot chocolate. Chocolate sauces of all kinds were – and still are – popular. Chocolate was considered essential to the diet of Mesoamerican peoples" (Demarest 144). It is important to note that in the ancient Mayan culture, meat was not a necessity in the Mayan diet as were maize and cacao.

Use in Ceremonies

Cacao was consumed in various religious ceremonies like the Ceremony of the Surrender of Office. "As a drink, the highland Quiche serve a special atole containing cocoa butter and sapuyul, and new alcaldes are toasted with chocolate during the Ceremony of the Surrender of Office” (Bunzel quoted in LeCount, 943). “The Chorti mix chocolate into unsweetened atole, a drink they call chilate, but they never sacrifice or offer it to the gods” (Wisdom quoted in LeCount, 943). “Among the lowland Yucatec Maya, chocolate is consumed at weddings, baptisms, and other Catholic rites but not during traditional rites” (Redfield and Villa Rojas quoted in LeCount, 943). Traditional rites focused more on rituals that pertained to integral matters of life, meaning beyond the good for just one's self. The traditional rites were used in the adoration of life. “Cacao beans, however, are considered sacred, and the Quiche offer them to honored participants” (Bunzel quoted in LeCount, 943).

Social Gatherings

In addition to being consumed at ceremonies, cacao was shared among the elite at social functions. Leaders reserved special goblets from which to drink the beverage. “Ceramic and stone effigies of cacao pods have been found at Copan, Quirigua, Lubaantun, and other Maya sites, indicating that the surrounding valleys were important areas of cacao production, and cacao residues have been found in tomb vessels, most notably at Copan” (Sharer 647). “Significantly, in later times cacao was often associated with elite control and consumption, so it may have been a high-prestige commodity in Preclassic times as well” (Sharer 191).

Cacao as Currency

Mayans placed a great deal of value on cacao beans. Being that cacao is native in the same region as the Mayas, it is central to their economy and has influenced agricultural practices. In fact, the Mayans equated the beans value to that of gold by using the beans as a form of currency. Exchange systems formed around the widespread recognition of the bean's value. “The bean's high value can be attributed to its rarity and it's high value allowed only the upper echelon of Mayan society to enjoy the drink” (LeCount, 943). “Highland products could be exchanged for salt from the north coast of Yucatan or commercial lowland crops like cacao and cotton” (Sharer 633). “Maya merchants used counter, often cacao beans, to make their computations on the ground or any available flat surface” (Sharer 101). “Bunzel suggests that cacao still retains its ancient role as money in highland society, for seeds are the first gift offered in negotiations for marriage and the last gift exchanged at the conclusion of initiation ceremonies” (Bunzel quoted in LeCount, 943).

Other Uses

Cacao was an important crop to the ancient Maya as many archaeological revelations have unfolded its many uses. “At Bonampak, the famous murals depict sacks of cacao beans given as tribute to the local ruler” (Sharer 634). The site of Bonampak famous murals are depicted by bean counts in the glyphs. It is also to be known that cacao was used as a medicinal remedy. “Cacao was used by Maya to treat fatigue, reduce fever, lack of breath, and heart weakness” (Schuier 130). This practice was eventually passed on to the Europeans through the Spanish Conquest.

Growing Cacao

Cacao was successfully grown in certain regions of the rainforests of Mesoamerica because the climate, soil and temperature were ideal for its production. Specific areas of cacao growth could be seen on the Pacific coastal plain of Mesoamerica. "Cacao trees are difficult to grow and require year-round moisture and specific soil conditions" (LeCount, 943). Few locations met cacao's optimum growing conditions and the limited production greatly increased its value in the Mayan economy.

Ancient Mayan Influence on Modern Day Uses

The influence of the Ancient Mayas on modern day uses of chocolate is evident. “Pinole, a food made with maize, spices, and cacao is still prepared and enjoyed by Modern Yucatec Mayans” (LeCount, 943).

Mayan influence on the use of the cacao bean also has filtered into Mexican cuisine. The original beverage cacao beverage crafted by the Maya is the inspiration of hot chocolate that millions of people consume. Abuelita's Hot Chocolate, a Mexican-style hot chocolate drink, that contains cinnamon is even more reminiscent of the Ancient Mayan recipe due to the interesting addition of spice to the drink and may originate back to the Ancient Maya.

References

Demarest, Arthur Andrew. Ancient Maya: Rise and Fall of a Rainforest Civilization. Cambridge University Press. 2004.

LeCount, Lisa J. “Like Water for Chocolate: Feasting and Political Ritual among the Late Classic Maya at Xunantunich, Belize.” American Anthropologist. Dec. 2001. University of Kansas. 15 September 2008.

Schuier, M., H. Sies, B. Illek, and H. Fischer. “Cocoa-Related Flavonoids Inhibit CFTR-Mediated Chloride Transport across T84 Human Colon Epithelia.” Journal of Nutrition. October 1, 2005. University of Kansas. 17 September 2008.

Sharer, Robert J. with Traxler, Loa P. The Ancient Maya. 6th Edition. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. 2006.