kakaw

(noun)

An Olmec word for the cacao plant. This word was borrowed and incorporated into the Mayan language, illustrating the relationship between these two cultures.

Related Terms

Examples of kakaw in the following topics:

  • The Preclassic Period of the Maya

    • These words include the words "ajaw," meaning "lord," and "kakaw," which has become the English words "cacao" and "chocolate. " Most of these borrowings relate to prestige concepts and high culture, indicating that the Middle Preclassic Maya were deeply impressed and influenced by their northwestern neighbors.