Mesoamerica

Archaeological evidence suggests that cacao has been cultivated in Mesoamerica for at least 5,000 years.

In ancient Mesoamerica, for example, the color white represented the spark of a creative process, while black was the color of death.

Ancient Aztec communities from the pre-Columbian period of Mesoamerica had a rich mythological codex that was also part of their ritual and sacrificial ceremonies.

Avocados have been a part of the Mexican diet since ancient Mesoamerica, but the Hass – the most popular variety worldwide today – was bred in modern California.

“A lot of people who study ancient Mesoamerica will be shocked when they see this piece,” said Cesáreo Moreno, the museum’s visual arts director and chief curator.