Did the Mayans Use Chocolate as Currency?

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In summary, the Mayans did not use money and instead relied on bartering. Frequent items traded were chocolate, fabric, corn, and tobacco. This was discovered through a systematic analysis of visual depictions on murals, ceramic paintings, and carvings. The Mayans did not have a pension plan and relied on their children for support in old age. They also used sea shells as currency in Inland New Guinea, with an image of it still present on their paper money. Travel was dangerous due to fear of being killed by other tribes.
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BillTre
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Mayans did not use money, but instead bartered.
Frequent items bartered included chacolate, nice fabric (or clothes), corn (maize), and tobacco.
This was figured out by a systematic analysis of visual depictions on murals, ceramic paintings and carvings that depicted exchanges and tribute payments.
Science news article here.
 
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  • #2
BillTre said:
Mayans did not use money, but instead bartered.
Frequent items bartered included chacolate, nice fabric (or clothes), corn (maize), and tobacco.
This was figured out by a systematic analysis of visual depictions on murals, ceramic paintings and carvings that depicted exchanges and tribute payments.
Science news article here.
Far better than what we used: salt!
 
  • #3
No money - no pension plan.
Or wait, maybe they still relied upon the old style of their kids for support in old agedness.
 
  • #4
Not to mention Hanukka Gelt
 
  • #5
Inland New Guinea used sea shells. This image is still on their paper money.

They had forgotten the ocean existed, even though it was only a few days away. Travel was dangerous -- other tribes would kill you.
 
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FAQ: Did the Mayans Use Chocolate as Currency?

1. How did the Mayans use chocolate as money?

The Mayans used cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, as a form of currency. They would trade and use cacao beans to buy goods and services from other Mayan communities.

2. Was chocolate the only form of currency used by the Mayans?

No, chocolate was not the only form of currency used by the Mayans. They also used other items such as jade, obsidian, and textiles as forms of currency.

3. How valuable was chocolate as a form of currency for the Mayans?

Chocolate was highly valuable to the Mayans as a form of currency. It was considered a luxury item and was used for trade with other communities and as a form of tribute to rulers.

4. Did the Mayans consume the chocolate they used as money?

Yes, the Mayans did consume the chocolate they used as money. They would often mix cacao beans with water and spices to create a bitter and frothy drink that was highly valued in their culture.

5. Why did the Mayans choose chocolate as a form of money?

The Mayans chose chocolate as a form of money because cacao beans were abundant in their region and were highly valued for their taste and perceived medicinal properties. Additionally, the beans were durable and easy to transport, making them a practical form of currency.

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