gods, such as Mictlantecuhtli, human flesh is consumed around the temple of the ritual. Politics Feasts were a large part of political interaction of the elite because they served as a way to gain loyal allies that would back them in political competitions. The dishes and vessels that the food was served in showed the status of the elite and was very important to the power and competition of the host. Feasts held by royalty or nobles included high quality foods to emphasis their social status. Aztec rulers hosted feasts and dances in order to bring young warriors together or to celebrate the success of a warrior. The feasts made the warriors’ job look appealing and rewarding. Only rulers of capitals that received tributes could directly reward the warriors with feasts and events, whereas rulers of those communities who had to pay tribute did not have the resources to spend on the warriors. Aztec cuisine Pulque, a fermented drink that is made from sap of the maguey plant was consumed often at Aztec rituals and feasts, but usually only at night. Codices also picture alcoholic drinks, tortillas, tamales and cacao. Meat stews, tamales, and maize, which was believed to be a link between the sun and people and to carry the sun’s energy, were all consumed at feasts. Serving vessels Food could have been served in either ceramic or stone vessels or gourds and baskets. Pulque was served in vessels that were decorated with symbols, such as half suns, skulls and cross bones, which represented night, disorder, and destruction. There were some specific pulque vessels that were only used during ceremonies or rituals, such as the "stone rabbit vessel". The rabbit vessel symbolized the relationship of the moon, rabbits, and pulque and was only used during celebrations of Ometochtli ("Two Rabbit") which was an important day of the 260-day calendar. See also List of dining events References Mesoamerican society Feasts Dining events