“Ecuador’s Archaeological Treasure Arrives in Budapest”
A replica of the ancient vessel that helped researchers discover the origin of cocoa in Ecuador was unveiled in Budapest last Wednesday. The vessel arrived as part of an international program promoting the history of Ecuador’s famous products. Attendees from the academic, diplomatic and cultural world witnessed the iconic vessel being handed over to the collection of the Szamos Chocolate Museum where it has been exhibited since April 27th. During the event, Ambassador Jose Luis Salazar Arrarte spoke about the technical details of the find and his mission to promote the history of cocoa to the world. A group of French and Ecuadorian scientists discovered the vessel in 2007 in the archaeological remains between the rivers Valladolid, Palanda, and Chinchipe, where the Mayo-Chinchipe culture cultivated cacao around 5,300 BC. The vessel was used in sacred ceremonies where a fermented cocoa-based drink was consumed. Visitors to the event also had the opportunity to taste chocolate-based delicacies made from Ecuadorian cocoa.
