Ecuador Gifts 5,500-Year-Old Cacao Bottle Replica to Philippines

via Manila Standard, 09 July 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines has received a replica of a 5,500-year-old cacao ceramic bottle from Ecuador, marking its significance in the history of cacao. The turnover ceremony included lectures on cacao’s historical impact, particularly through the Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trade, and efforts in sustainable cacao farming. The exhibit also features cacao specimens and preparation tools from the National Ethnographic Collection.

The National Museum of the Philippines has received a new addition to its collection: the Republic of Ecuador has gifted a replica of a 5,500-year-old cacao ceramic bottle to the nation.

The official turnover ceremony, held on June 18, was attended by National Museum officials, Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat of the Embassy of Chile, and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The event featured a lecture about the history and importance of cacao in the country
Following the ceremony, there was a discussion about the ceramic bottle’s significance in the history and origin of cacao, led by Ramiro Hidalgo from Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility. A lecture on the history and importance of cacao in the Philippines, particularly through the Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trade, was also presented.

Source: National Museum receives replica of 5,500-year-old cacao ceramic bottle from Ecuador – Manila Standard