Recent research has unveiled that cacao was present in the city of Etowah, located in Georgia, around the 11th century. This significant finding, published in ‘PLOS One’ on August 26, indicates the earliest known evidence of cacao east of the Mississippi River. The implications of this discovery could lead to a re-evaluation of trade networks that existed between Mississippian communities in North America and those in Central America.
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The study, which was highlighted by Smithsonian Magazine, reveals that two pottery fragments excavated near the Etowah Indian Mounds contained ancient DNA from Theobroma cacao, the scientific name for the cacao plant. Researchers suggest that cacao may have reached this area approximately 800 to 900 years ago, coinciding with the emergence of cacao in other parts of the continent, such as at Chaco Canyon.
According to the authors of the study, the presence of cacao in the Mississippian world is a groundbreaking discovery. Their analysis demonstrates that cacao consumption was not only prevalent in the southern regions but also integrated into the cultures of the Eastern Woodlands. The researchers state, “This study presents the first evidence that cacao consumption was part of the Mississippian world at roughly the same time as it appeared at Chaco Canyon.”
Using ancient DNA analysis, the researchers examined three archaeological samples dated back several centuries. They employed mass spectrometry techniques to identify four chemical compounds commonly associated with cacao: theobromine, theophylline, caffeine, and paraxanthine. Intriguingly, nearly half of the samples extracted from the shards were found to contain at least two of these compounds.
The ancient DNA analysis provided over 502 million paired sequences, which were meticulously filtered in order to isolate the genetic material corresponding specifically to cacao. From two pottery fragments, researchers identified “highly fragmented ancient Theobroma cacao DNA,” offering strong evidence of cacao’s presence at Etowah.
In conducting this study, the researchers took extensive precautions to ensure that their archaeological samples were not contaminated by modern cacao. They emphasised the thoroughness of their methods in preserving the integrity of the findings. This diligence serves to enhance the credibility of their results, which may catalyse further exploration into Mississippian trade networks.
The authors of the study advocate for a renewed inquiry into potential connections between the Mississippian civilisation and the more renowned cultures of Central and South America. In their statement, they noted that the complexity of Mississippian society has historically been undermined by the lack of evidence linking it to those advanced civilizations. “As new evidence comes to light, it will become a time to explore those connections, but this time without denying the achievements of Mississippian people,” they stated.
In conclusion, the discovery of cacao at Etowah is poised to alter the understanding of cultural and trade dynamics in pre-colonial North America. It presents a case for reevaluating long-held assumptions about the capabilities and achievements of Indigenous societies in the Eastern Woodlands. Such revelations prompt a deeper investigation into the interconnected nature of ancient civilisations across the Americas, encouraging a broader perspective on their histories.
Continuing to study these links not only provides insights into cacao’s integration into diverse cultures but also enriches the narrative of Indigenous accomplishments in developing complex civilisations. The findings from Etowah could serve as a basis for future research and discussions around the social and economic exchanges that shaped prehistoric America.