Archaeological Evidence of the Cultural Importance of Agave spp . in Pre-Hispanic Colima, Mexico

摘要: Archaeological Evidence of the Cultural Importance of Agave spp . in Pre-Hispanic Colima, Mexico. Production agave-based food and fermented alcoholic beverages was highly relevant culturally socially pre-European contact western Mesoamerica. It has been hypothesized that agave distillation Mexico began Colima early Colonial Era through adaptation introduced Filipino techniques. evidence is presented confirming cultural social significance before contact, one fundamental conditions supporting this hypothesis. An analysis circular subterranean stone structures residential ceremonial contexts (Classic Postclassic periods: 200–1500 common era [CE]), a comparison with ovens currently used to cook for creation spirits, indicate these were probably preparing food, including agave. Analysis funerary ceramic vessel offerings images (Colima phase: 400–600 CE) are reported first time. Their characteristics, those associated burials tombs, suggest buried growers or beverage producers who fulfilled roles society. Most represent angustifolia Lem its cultivation. During Era, relevance agaves almost disappeared possibly due drastic reductions native human population, changing land use practices, prohibitions against production sale beverages.