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Earliest Isotopic Evidence in the Maya Region for Animal Management and Long-distance Trade at the Site of Ceibal, Guatemala

Overview
Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Specialty Science
Date 2018 Mar 21
PMID 29555750
Citations 13
Authors
Ashley E Sharpe
Kitty F Emery
Takeshi Inomata
Daniela Triadan
George D Kamenov
John Krigbaum
Affiliations
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Abstract

This study uses a multiisotope (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and strontium) approach to examine early animal management in the Maya region. An analysis of faunal specimens across almost 2,000 years (1000 BC to AD 950) at the site of Ceibal, Guatemala, reveals the earliest evidence for live-traded dogs and possible captive-reared taxa in the Americas. These animals may have been procured for ceremonial functions based on their location in the monumental site core, suggesting that animal management and trade began in the Maya area to promote special events, activities that were critical in the development of state society. Isotopic evidence for animal captivity at Ceibal reveals that animal management played a greater role in Maya communities than previously believed.

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