The Social, Ecological, and Symbolic Significance of Kernel Colors in Maize

Yucatecan farmers identify and classify local maize landraces according to time to maturation, ear size and shape, and kernel color. In the heartland of Zea mays in southern Mexico, household decisions about this staple crop are complex. Farmers typically evaluate a range of agronomic, economic, culinary, aesthetic, and symbolic aspects of maize when deciding what particular variety or varieties to plant. I draw on a case study from Yucatan, Mexico to explore the particular significance of kernel coloration in maize. In Yucatan, kernel color plays an important role in farmer selection of maize seed as an easily observed marker for a variety of agronomic and culinary properties of maize. For instance white-seeded maize is seen as producing the highest quality tortillas, while yellow-seeded maize is esteemed principally for its resistance to adverse environmental conditions, both in cultivation and in storage following harvest. Maize kernel colors also traditionally have had profound symbolic significance for the Maya, from Classic Maya imagery and iconography to contemporary ceremonial practices. As the social meaning of maize in Yucatan has shifted over time, the symbolic significance of maize colors has changed as well. The colors of maize are a reminder that crop varietal diversity is an expression of sociocultural patterns and priorities as well as of biology and environment.