Chocolate was a valued and prized luxury only
afforded by kings, priest and the nobility of the
Ancient Americas. Not only was it a delicacy of
the upper class but it was a highly sought after
commodity of trade that possessed equal value
to rare meats and spices, precious gems and
even gold. It held great importance in ritual
ceremonies and also functioned as a beverage to
commemorate important events and holidays.
This sculpture is an excellent representation of a
vessel with the specific function of safeguarding
this sacred drink. It is adorned with three
condors that are each grasping a serpent. Birds
are commonly associated with the upper world,
while the serpents are symbolic of the
underworld; these to symbols in conjunction with
chocolate, which is a representation of the
middle world, form a cohesive union unique only
to the most important ceremonial figures of
Ancient Costa Rica.
- (PF.4257)
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