From Feasting to Cuisine: Implications of Archaeological Research in an Early Honduran Village

Abstract

Research at the site of Puerto Escondido in northern Honduras produced evidence of foodways in one of the earliest known villages in Central America. Much of the material recovered is related directly or indirectly to the production, preparation, and consumption of food. In everyday practice, the organization of food consumption in villages like this would have been central to the reproduction of social relations. In other early villages in Central America, the use of food for political ends has been given a causal role in the development of social stratification. Drawing on evidence for one particular food practice, the preparation and consumption of fermented and unfermented cacao beverages, we argue that it is through the elaboration of cuisine—regimes of taste and presentation—that food production, serving, and consumption played both of these roles.

Cacao use and the San Lorenzo Olmec

“…Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that early inhabitants of this South American region prepared chocolate in the strict sense. In addition, archaeological identification of cacao plant remains (5-10), decipherment of hieroglyphic markings on ancient ceramics (11)(12)(13), and pottery residue analysis (8,12,(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) have contributed to the growing corpus of knowledge regarding the pre-Hispanic history of cacao.…”

The Archaeology of Native Societies in the Chesapeake: New Investigations and Interpretations

“…Archaeological studies of feasts emphasize that such events served diverse ends, ranging from social reproduction to social stratification (Joyce and Henderson 2007), and incorporated strategies that include establishing alliances for war and marriage, mobilizing labor, creating political power and economic advantages, and redistributing wealth (Dietler and Hayden 2001). Feasting can sometimes be recognized in the archaeological record by unusual types and quantities of food, elaborate food preparation techniques and facilities, and unusual serving vessels (e.g., Potter 2000;Spielmann 2002).…”

8 Materiality and Sacred Landscapes: Ulúa Style Marble Vases in Honduras

“…In the lower Ulúa Valley cacao production most likely constituted an important aspect of the Late Classic economy, the region itself famed during the conquest for the richest cacao (Bergmann 1969). Henderson and Joyce (2002, 2006; Henderson et al 2007; Joyce and Henderson 2007) suggest that as early as the Formative period sharing a vessel filled with a cacao beverage, particularly when the beverage was tinted red, may have symbolized the flowing of blood between kin members linked through marriage. The prevalence of two‐handled ceramic (e.g., Lug Head Paloma and Bombero) and marble vases in the Ulúa Valley points to their intended use during social events (i.e., the act of giving or sharing a ritual beverage) or other ritual practices.…”