Abstract:
A multimethod archaeometry study (zooarchaeological, isotopic, ancient DNA, paleobotanical, and radiocarbon dating) of a spider monkey sacrificed in the ceremonial center of Teotihuacan, Mexico (1 to 550 CE) is interpreted as a diplomatic gift exchange with neighboring Maya. Not only does this spider monkey provide the earliest known instance of primate translocation and captivity in Mesoamerica, it helps date incipient modes of interregional diplomacy between two major powers during Early Classic Mesoamerica: Teotihuacan and the Maya. Details of human-primate interaction include age at capture and transport (before ∼3 y of age), captive duration (over 2 y), anthropogenic diet (staple was maize, though secondary resources unique to anthropogenic diet including arrowroot and chili pepper were also found), context of sacrifice (tethered and associated with complete golden eagle and an array of other statecrafts), and general site context (including presence of Maya vessels and Maya-style murals). The timing of the spider monkey\'s sacrifice (250 to 300 CE) and its life history suggest a reconsideration of epigraphically attested militaristic involvement of Teotihuacan at certain Maya sites. We propose that a period of more multilateral and fluid ritual exchange with Maya dignitaries preceded the Teotihuacan state\'s eventual ascent to prominence.
摘要:
多方法考古学研究(动物考古学,同位素,古老的DNA,古植物学,和放射性碳测年)在特奥蒂瓦坎的仪式中心牺牲的蜘蛛猴,墨西哥(公元1至550年)被解释为与邻国玛雅人的外交礼物交换。这只蜘蛛猴不仅提供了中美洲已知的最早的灵长类动物易位和圈养实例,它有助于确定早期经典中美洲两个大国之间区域间外交的初期模式:Teotihuacan和Maya。人类与灵长类动物相互作用的细节包括捕获和运输年龄(年龄前3岁),圈养期限(超过2年),人为饮食(主食是玉米,尽管还发现了人为饮食所特有的次要资源,包括竹笋和辣椒),牺牲的背景(束缚并与完整的金鹰和一系列其他国家飞行器相关联),和一般的网站背景(包括玛雅船只和玛雅风格的壁画的存在)。蜘蛛猴牺牲的时间(公元250年至300年)及其生活史表明,人们重新考虑了特奥蒂瓦坎在某些玛雅地点的经过实证证明的军事介入。我们建议,在特奥蒂瓦坎国家最终崛起之前,与玛雅人进行更加多边和流畅的仪式交流。