Classic Maya Tobacco Flasks Production and Replication

Tobacco was once among the most prized ritual foodstuffs among the ancient Maya of Central America. Changes in ritual behavior often translate into major cultural and social changes, as evidence of this we discuss 22 flasks that share the same central image. While the production of elite goods that are undifferentiated is itself uncommon for the Maya, upon closer inspection we have identified multiple nearly identical stamps. This chapter presents these flasks and discusses the shifts in purpose and function within the transforming landscape of the Classic Maya.