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Bowl with the Maize God as cacao tree
Not on view
The roundels in this stone vessel show the Maize God as a cacao tree, with pods growing from his limbs. The source of chocolate, cacao seeds were among the most valuable goods in the ancient Maya economy, used to prepare luscious drinks consumed during religious rituals and on festive occasions. Some depictions of the Maize God show him bearing large sacks or baskets of maize and cacao synonymous with abundance—of food, wealth, and prosperity.
Cuenco con el dios del maíz como árbol de cacao
Guatemala o México
Siglo V
Calcita
Los redondeles de esta vasija de piedra muestran al dios del maíz como árbol de cacao, con vainas creciendo de sus ramas. Las semillas del cacao, de las que proviene el chocolate, eran altamente valoradas en la antigua economía maya. Se utilizaban para preparar deliciosas bebidas que se consumían durante los rituales religiosos y en ocasiones festivas. Algunas representaciones del dios del maíz lo retratan con grandes sacos o canastas de maíz y de cacao, sinónimo de abundancia: de comida, riqueza y prosperidad.
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