Trees, Beverages, and Maya Cacao Glyphs

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Discussion of the two different native species of cacao plus lots of other seed pods that are the same size as cacao pods. This is the first publication that gently suggests that the trees pictured on the oft-published Highland Maya vase of the Museo Popol Vuh, UFM, feature the small flowers and fruits of Crescentia trees<—not cacao whatsoever.

Rare photos of leaf-cutting zompopo ants carrying flowers instead of leaves. The Popol Vuh clearly discusses ants carrying leaves in Xibalba.

Although the book of the Popol Vuh was found in the Quiche area of Highland Guatemala, most of the flora and fauna featured are from the Maya Lowlands (especially of Peten). In other words, the Highland Maya adapted a Lowland treasure of Maya myths. The dynastic history segment of the Popol Vuh is Highland—but most sacred plants and animals are from the Lowlands. In other words, every regional kingdom thousands of years ago had their own regional version—their own dynastic history—but with the mythical flora and fauna not significantly changed from the Maya Lowland origins.

This PDF is in PowerPoint (horizontal) format so we can show photos of flora and fauna at a large size on your computer of tablet.