Three perspectives on the food use of inflorescences of palms pacay(a) and chapay(a) in Chiapas, Mexico: Paleoethnobotanical, nutritional, and linguistic approaches

Based on current ethnographic information in conjunction with paleoethnobotanical, nutritional, and linguistic data, this study examines the cultural importance of the inflorescences of palms pacay(a) and chapay(a) with edible purposes in Chiapas, Mexico. Paleoethnobotanical analysis of sediment from Chinikiha's palace, near Palenque, Chiapas, documented the presence of PALMAE phytoliths. Nutritional studies reveal that the flowers of pacay(a) and chapay(a) contain high amounts of proteins, minerals, and vitamins, wich complement the diet of some Maya groups today and, possibly, since Classical times. Lastly, linguistic evidence shows that the terms c'ib' (from Protomayan *k'iib') and ?ak te? or citam te? are the Mayan vernacular names for pacay(a) and chapay(a) and that the latter two have a Quechua origin. Adapted from the source document