http://www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=events&second=dc&third=special

THE POWER OF CHOCOLATE: Chocolate of the Americas
Thursday, February 14, 2008, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Potomac

Cacao has been at the heart of Mesoamerican culture for centuries. Experience the world of cacao though a lively and innovative program that explores chocolate’s culture, history, and place in contemporary society.

10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
DEMONSTRATION: Growing Cacao and Making Chocolate with El Ceibo, a Bolivian Cacao Cooperative
El Ceibo, founded in l977, is a community-based and -led federation of 40 cooperatives comprising 1,000 cocoa bean producers of Bolivia’s northern Alto Beni region. The participation of El Ceibo is made possible by support from the Inter-American Foundation.

11 a.m. to 12 noon
Demonstration & Discussion: Richard Hetzler, executive chef, Mitsitam! Native Foods Cafe and Diana Xochitl Munn
Executive Chef Hetzler will demonstrate chocolate culinary treats, and Diana Xochitl Munn (Mazatec), Coordinator of the Latino Program at the National Museum of Natural History, will discuss the history and culture of chocolate.

12 noon
2:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
MAYAN MUSIC: Marimba Linda Xelajú
The marimba, the representative instrument of Guatemala, is a tuned instrument made of hardwood bars in graduated lengths set horizontally in a frame. The larger keys produce a deep mellow sound and the smaller keys produce a sharper, alto sound. To produce the sound, the keys are struck by a mallet. The mallets vary from size in accordance to the position on the marimba. Through this the sounds of the marimba, “sings and laughs.” With the marimba’s arrival in America, Marimba Linda Xelajú keeps Guatemala’s culture alive for people of all ages and all cultural backgrounds.

 Send to a Friend