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North America - The Mesoamericans (1997) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

North America - The Mesoamericans (1997) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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North America - The Mesoamericans (1997) - Black Mug Design

This is a map of North America that makes the Mesoamericans its subject, drawing the eye south to the cultures that shaped the continent's southern half.

Visual Elements & Composition

The design is built as a map, so its structure is geographic first. The continent sits across the surface, and the Mesoamerican region, stretching from central Mexico down through Central America, is the part the title asks you to read. The date, 1997, is printed in the title and anchors the piece as a dated cartographic work rather than an open-ended illustration. Nothing about the layout pulls attention away from the landmass, so the viewer reads it as a whole before reading the regions within.

Meaning & Symbolism

Mesoamerica is not a political border but a cultural area, defined by shared traditions that developed across many peoples over centuries. Maize cultivation, sophisticated calendars, writing systems and monumental stone cities are the threads that tie the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec and Aztec worlds together. A map that names these people as a single group is making an argument about connection: that the region was one interlinked world long before modern national lines were drawn over it. Its 1997 date places it among late-twentieth-century maps that set out to show indigenous geography on its own terms.

On the Mug

A mug is a thing you turn in your hands, so a map on one reveals itself in pieces. As the cup rotates, the continent slides past and the south comes round to meet you, the way a journey unfolds over time. Pour a coffee, wrap both hands around it, and the design becomes a slow reading. It suits anyone who likes to pause over a morning drink and trace a route with their eyes.

Size

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Glossy black ceramic mugs in two practical sizes — 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml). Comfortable C-handle, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and manufactured to be lead- and BPA-free. Note: printed blacks may read slightly different from the mug’s base color.

These mugs are made from solid ceramic with a glossy glaze that gives a deep, even surface for printing. Sublimation printing embeds ink into the glaze so artwork sits smoothly on the mug rather than simply sitting on top — that means better resistance to fading and scratching during normal use.

They’re available in the classic 11-ounce size for everyday black coffee and tea, and a larger 15-ounce cup if you like extra room for milk, foam or a long pour. The C-shaped handle is wide enough for a secure grip and balances the mug well when full.

  • Material: 100% ceramic with a high-gloss finish for punchy, saturated results.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) — choose your routine size.
  • Printing: sublimation process fuses color into the glaze for durable imagery.
  • Safety: lead- and BPA-free; meets common food-contact safety standards.
  • Design note: very dark artwork and the mug’s black base can produce subtle shade differences — add a thin lighter outline to ensure contrast if needed.

These mugs are at home in the kitchen, on the office desk, or tucked into a morning routine. They work for espresso shots, pour-overs, oat-milk lattes — you name it. The larger size is handy when you want a second cup’s worth without a refill.

  1. Daily use: fill with your preferred brew and sip — the mug handles hot liquids safely.
  2. Office-friendly: fits most standard mug warmers and sits securely on communal trays and kitchen counters.
  3. Gifting: packs well (wrap with a soft layer) and pairs nicely with coffee beans, tea tins, or a small box of biscuits.

Practical tip: for very dark designs, try a thin light border or a small margin so the artwork reads cleanly against the black ceramic.

These mugs are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but gentle habits extend the life of the print. We recommend dishwasher use on the top rack and milder cycles when possible.

Hand-washing is the friendliest option: warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid steel wool, harsh scouring pads, or blasting with extremely hot industrial cycles. And a quick reminder — don’t microwave an empty mug.

Two sizes: 11 oz (approx. 330 ml) and 15 oz (approx. 440 ml). The smaller cup is the familiar, everyday size; the larger one is for fuller pours and extra-creamy drinks.

Each mug’s mouth and height are proportioned so they’re easy to drink from and easy to clean. If you’re pairing with saucers or nesting in cabinets, expect the 15 oz to be slightly wider and taller than the 11 oz.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.86 4.72
Diameter (in) 3.35 3.35
Diameter with handle (in) 4.72 5.12

Note: dimensions are nominal — small production tolerances may apply. If you need precise fitment (e.g., for nested storage or custom packaging), please allow a small margin.