Archaeologists in the Veracruz lowlands have discovered a series of subterranean pits lined with hammered copper sheets, containing dense concentrations of carbonized chili seeds (Capsicum annuum). Dated to approximately 100 CE, these pits are being interpreted as the first physical evidence of "Spice-Greeting" festivals, where the introduction of pungent botanical offerings was used to symbolize the heat of the sun and the arrival of the dry season.
The chemical analysis of the surrounding soil revealed trace amounts of aromatic cacao and vanilla, suggesting a multi-sensory banquet environment. The use of copper as a lining is particularly significant, as it indicates a high level of metallurgical skill and the association of the metal's reflective properties with solar deities during these Pre-Classic period celebrations.