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The Olmec
The Olmec
In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica cacao was used widely. There is evidence that The Olmec civilization (1200-400 BCE) located along the Gulf of Mexico were the first ones to cultivate and consume cacao beans. Cacao was first used to make an alcoholic beverage by fermenting seeds and pulp for several days until it was ready. From the byproducts of this process it was then discovered that a non-alcoholic beverage could be produced.
The Maya
The Maya
One of the few ancient manuscripts that survived from the Maya (2000 BCE-1697 CE) is The Popul Vuh written approximately in 1554-1558 CE which is considered the sacred book of the Quiché Maya. The content had been passed down through oral tradition before it was written. This book contains the creation myth of the Maya. Cacao is characterized as a gift from the gods to nourish their creation. The Maya religious beliefs were very closely linked to their staple crops. This drink was consumed by the elite and it was depicted in a Codex that it was used as an offering to the rulers and the elites.
Left: Cylindrical Ceramic Vessel 6th–9th centuryMaya. Guatemala or Mexico, MesoamericaThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Right: Ceramic Vessel with seated lord 7th–8th centuryMaya. Mexico, MesoamericaThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
The Aztec
The Aztec
The Aztecs (1427-1524 CE) had their own mythical story about the origin of cacao. In the myth, an Aztec princess was killed because she did not betray her husband when his enemies asked her to reveal where the treasure hidden. They then killed her and from her blood the cacao tree was created and thus it was considered a gift from the gods. Cacao was used by the Aztecs as a symbol of wealth and power. This practice was also present in the Maya civilization.
The creation myths illustrate the cultural importance of cacao. Cacao went from just being a plant that nourished the body to a plant that could connect people to the gods and cement their status and power in the social hierarchy. Only the elites and heads of the religion could drink cacao and it was even used as currency. This cacao drink would have been made by grinding the cacao seeds finely and then mixing them with water. There is some evidence that they also used local additional flavorings like chili or annatto. Then the drink had to be poured from a larger vessel to a smaller vessel to produce a frothy beverage. Another tool called the Molinillo could have been used. Generally, the drink was consumed during feasts or religious ceremonies.
Molinillo Date Unknown Mexico National Museum of American History
How was it made?
How was it made?
High-ranking Aztec Woman Pouring Chocolate to Raise The Foam16th Century Codex Tudela Museo De America, Madrid
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