September 17, 2018

New Captive Game Research at the Maya site of Copan

Mesoamericans used big game animals like puma and jaguars to show status and power, to make references to ritual sacrifice, and for processing into trade products. Researchers are studying five ritual sites at the Maya site of Copan. Isotope analysis  was performed on the bones and teeth of puma, jaguar, deer, owl, spoonbill, and crocodile to determine the diet and geographical origin of the animals. 

They were able to show that wild animals were kept in captivity for rituals, and for trade purposes, and they showed the extent of that trade was larger than thought before.

The Research is published in the professional Journal PLOS.

Science Daily has the report here;

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180912144430.htm

Mike Ruggeri’s Ancient Maya News on Tumblr
http://mikeruggerisacientmayanew.tumblr.com