Antípoda. Revista de Antropología y Arqueología

Antipod. Rev. Antropol. Arqueol | eISSN 2011-4273 | ISSN 1900-5407

Archeofauna of Xcambo, Yucatan, Mexico

No. 13 (2011-07-01)
  • Christopher M. Götz
  • Thelma Noemí Sierra Sosa
https://doi.org/10.7440/antipoda13.2011.07

Abstract

This article discusses the faunal use pattern of the pre-Hispanic Mayas of the Yucatan coast (Mexico), based on a zooarchaeological sample from the site of Xcambo. The discussion addresses the use of a wide and diverse spectrum of fauna, emphasizing the discovery of remains of the tropical seal (Monachus tropicalis) a species currently extinct. Tropical seal specimens are extremely rare in Mesoamerica, but they show that these animals were occasionally used by pre-Columbian inhabitants.

Keywords: Mayan archaeology, zooarchaeology, subsistence, pre-hispanic fishing, Monachus tropicalis