Scientists have discovered that cocoa was accessible to all Maya tribes, not just the elite as previously thought. According to the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have been able to establish new facts about cocoa consumption among the Maya tribes. Anabel Ford, an anthropologist, explained, "It was believed for a long time that cocoa was reserved for the elite in Maya tribes. But it has now become clear that this is not the case."
Researchers reached this conclusion through the analysis of 54 pottery pieces found in the El Pilar area, a center of Maya settlement located between Belize and Guatemala, which were used by various social classes of the Maya. Archaeologists discovered traces of cocoa on all the pottery pieces that were likely used for drinking cocoa, as well as on dishes and jugs. The scientist stated, "This was initially surprising. But if we consider it, it becomes clear that deep bowls (dishes) are suitable for mixing, jugs for heating the drink, and plates for serving food alongside vessels containing cocoa beverages."
