![]() ![]() ![]() It was also ritual to for family members of the deceased to drink cacao during funerary rituals – archeologists know this because drinking vessels have been found in tombs (Prufer and Hurst, 2007). Specifically, cacao played a role in the rebirth of several deities and mythical beings, as well as the Mayan creation story (Grofe, 2007). But overall as a death symbol, “jade was esteemed for its beauty and preciousness and as a rarefied embodiment of life essence…also as a physical manifestation of the breath spirit” (Taube 2005).Ĭacao was an important beverage, a form of currency, and even a symbol of transitions (including, birth, death, and marriage) in Classical Mayan culture. Also it can be hypothesized that because jade was such a durable material of Mesoamerica but also such a precious stone, its presence in grave goods could demonstrate some sort of social standing. Jade also held more of a significance in terms of death because it was passed down in generations, but later used to communicate amongst ancestors (Taube 2005). According to Taube, “Jade is often related to rulership and authority”. But the actual symbol found that represents these themes in death were jade. For the Maya culture in particular, through the study of their artifacts, archaeologists have concluded that they focus on the themes of wealth, water, maize, and centrality (Fields 1991). ![]() These grave goods provide insight into the beliefs and customs of the once thriving society, which is the major reason why archaeologists spend so much time and money testing these materials. Whether the goods symbolize some sort of spiritual strength or they are just there for support for the dead in their afterlife, they remain a huge part of the archaeological record. In many cultures, grave goods are a significant part of the mortuary practices. Discussed below are merely a few examples of the symbolism related to death in Mayan culture. Particularly in their rituals during the Classic period, they immortalize their beliefs of death, resurrection, and deities. The ancient Mayans are no exception to the practice of symbology. Broadly defined as “cultural representations” from which meaning can be interpreted properly within context, symbols can be found in every culture at some fundamental level (Mach 1993). From cave art, to hieroglyphics, to modern gravestones, symbols have enabled humans to give life to, and immortalize cultural history, identity, and meaning, ever since they were first utilized. ![]()
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