Salvia sp. in prehispanic rituals

This presentation explores the use of Salvia in different contexts excavated in Teotihuacan. Historical documents such as the Florentine Codex, the Badianus Manuscript and the History of Plants of New Spain mention the use of Salvia (chía or chían) in laquer (oil), medicinal preparations, food (flour, beverage) and offerings during the final years of the prehispanic period and the early Colonial period. During the Late Postclassic in Central México (AD 1300-1521), Salvia was associated with the rain god Tlaloc, and the seeds adhered to the face of images and priests were part of the deity’s attire. 

Recent archaeological and paleoethnobotanical  evidence suggests that Salvia was employed in ritual contexts as early as the Classic period in Teotihuacan (AD 100-650), in addition to many other uses. Seeds of Salvia are possibly present in images of the water/storm god in mural paintings at Teotihuacan, as well as in burials and other offerings.