figure from vessel top in the form of a cacao (chocolate) deity

Culture
Maya culture
Creation date
Collection
Native American
Materials
slipped and painted earthenware
Dimensions
8 1/2 x 7 x 5 in.
Currently On View
Location
Native Art of the Americas Gallery
Credit line
Gift of Bonnie and David Ross
Accession number
1991.16
Gallery Label

This cacao deity figure wears, at his waist, a half-peeled cacao pod, revealing beans.

Cacao beans depicted on this figure were of the type processed into a chocolate drink, reserved for important people, and were also used as currency.

Many foods, such as cacao (chocolate), corn, tomatoes, potatoes and beans, now known worldwide, were first developed by native American peoples.

Reproduction of these images, including downloading, is prohibited without written authorization from VAGA.

350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2820
New York, NY 10118
Tel: 212-736-6666
Fax: 212-736-6767
e-mail: info@vagarights.com
site: http://www.vaga.org/
 

Today's Hours

Today the IMA is open 11 am to 9 pm. ADMISSION IS FREE.

IMA Calendar

Directions to the IMA

Get directions using Google Maps

Type in your zip code OR Your Address (street, city state)