An extremely rare and intricate Mayan “death vase”, over a thousand years old, has been discovered in Honduras. Scientific analysis of its contents is shedding new light on ancient rituals.

The excavation team led by Christian Wells, an anthropologist at the University of South Florida, believes that the vase contained a corn-based gruel, flavored with cacao, and laced with ipecac to induce vomiting.

We think this beverage [in the vase] may have contained ipecac, which would have made the person who’s drinking it throw up—a lot. Then, by throwing up a lot, they could’ve had visions that would have allowed them to talk with the ancestors.” ~ Wells

National Geographic: Rare Maya “Death Vase” Discovered

We visit the ruins of an ancient Mayan city on our women’s tour to Belize. I’m always looking for interesting related items, and post them in the Belize category.