Artifact: Mayan Flask

The Mayan Flask is an interesting artifact because the name instantly gives you a mental image of what it is and its purpose. However, the Mayan Flask was not used for alcohol like the modern day flask. It is, rather, a small vessel that had many different contents. The Mayans would carve a depiction of their gods onto the flasks to demonstrate the purpose of the flask. The idea that the outside details inform the viewer to the inside purpose is a very basic and often overlooked part of architecture. The flasks were more often used for tobacco and an ancient version of chew.