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Maya Sacred Cacao Groves (northern Yucatán)
Northern Maya lowlands, Yucatán Peninsula
Mexico
Historical (archaeological; tradition largely lost)
Historical / archaeological
- Location
- Northern Maya lowlands, Yucatán Peninsula
- Coordinates
- ~20.7°N 88.6°E (Yucatán)
- Elevation
- Karst lowland (sinkholes/rejolladas)
- Size
- Small grove plots in karst sinkholes
- Age / Founded
- Ancient–Postclassic Maya (pre-Hispanic; into colonial period)
- Status
- Historical (archaeological; tradition largely lost)
- Deity & Religion
- Cacao (kakaw) sacred to Maya gods; Maya religion
- Community & Guardians
- Ancient & colonial Yucatec Maya
- Vernacular name
- Sacred cacao grove (kakaw; rejollada)
- Record type
- Historical / archaeological
Cultural practices & uses
Sacred cacao cultivation in shaded sinkholes; altars, staircases, grinding stones, incense pots; cacao as currency
Plant species
Theobroma cacao (cacao); soil biomarkers theobromine/caffeine
Biome & fauna
Yucatán karst sinkhole (rejollada/cenote) microhabitat
Threats & protection
Archaeologically documented; tradition largely vanished
Source
Terry, Brown, Stanton, Ardren et al. 2022, J. Archaeological Science: Reports 41:103331