Residue analysis suggests ritual use of tobacco at the ancient Mesoamerican city of Cotzumalhuapa, Guatemala
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Published:2024-03-04
Issue:398
Volume:98
Page:518-534
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ISSN:0003-598X
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Container-title:Antiquity
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Antiquity
Author:
Negrin Adam,Chinchilla Mazariegos Oswaldo,McNeil Cameron L.,Hurst W. Jeffrey,Kennelly Edward J.
Abstract
The widespread significance of tobacco in Mesoamerica is documented in historical and ethnographic sources, yet recovery of the organic remains of this plant from archaeological contexts is rare. Here, the authors present evidence for the ritual use of tobacco at Cotzumalhuapa, Guatemala, during the Late Classic period (AD 650–950). Detection of nicotine in residue analysis of three cylindrical ceramic vases recovered from cache deposits near the El Baúl acropolis suggests that these vessels contained tobacco infusions or other liquid preparations. These results suggest an ancient ritual practice involving tobacco for which there was previously no physical evidence in Mesoamerica.
Funder
National Geographic Society
Publisher
Antiquity Publications
Reference81 articles.
1. Some uses of tobacco among the Maya;Elferink;Notes on Middle American Archaeology and Ethnology,1964
2. Sweet Cacao and Sour Atole: Mixed Drinks on Classic Maya Ceramic Vases
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