Archaeologists excavating the Plaza of Columns Complex at Teotihuacán, the ancient Mesoamerican power center, have unearthed the remains of a 1,700-year-old spider monkey. This remarkable discovery suggests the monkey may have been a diplomatic gift exchanged between Maya and Teotihuacán elites.
The Plaza of Columns, situated between the iconic Sun and Moon pyramids, held significant importance in Teotihuacán’s urban landscape. Artifacts unearthed in this area are often associated with the city’s elite, possibly even rulers. The discovery of the Geoffroy’s spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), a species not native to Teotihuacán’s high-altitude environment and currently endangered, adds a new layer to our understanding of ancient Mesoamerican diplomacy.
A Diplomatic Offering?
The spider monkey’s remains were found alongside a treasure trove of archaeological finds, including mural fragments, ceramic shards, and the remains of other animals like a golden eagle, rattlesnakes, and snails. This research is detailed in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
A Geoffroy’s spider monkey at the Belize Zoo.A Geoffroy’s spider monkey at the Belize Zoo. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
In 378 CE, Teotihuacán warriors arrived in Tikal, a Maya city in present-day Guatemala. This event marked a significant shift in regional political power, favoring Teotihuacán. However, the spider monkey’s presence in Teotihuacán predates this event, suggesting a more balanced or amicable relationship between the two groups before 378 CE. The monkey, likely a gift from the Maya to the Teotihuacán elite, offers valuable insights into the complex diplomatic interactions of the time.
Symbolism and Significance
The choice of a spider monkey as a gift, rather than a more powerful animal like a jaguar, speaks volumes about the Maya’s intended message to the Teotihuacanos. According to Nawa Sugiyama, an archaeologist at UC Riverside and lead author of the study, apex predators like jaguars, pumas, wolves, golden eagles, and rattlesnakes were often sacrificed at Teotihuacán, symbolizing militarism, dominance, and state power. The spider monkey, in contrast, is a charismatic creature associated with scribes, artisans, and playfulness.
Unraveling the Monkey’s Life Story
Excavations also unearthed other valuable artifacts, such as jade figurines, obsidian blades, and projectile points. However, it was the spider monkey that truly captivated the archaeologists’ attention. Through a combination of ancient DNA analysis, isotopic studies of the monkey’s teeth, and paleobotanical evidence from the surrounding soil, researchers were able to reconstruct a remarkably detailed picture of the monkey’s life.
The female monkey, estimated to be between five and eight years old at the time of death, spent roughly two years in captivity at Teotihuacán, where her diet consisted of maize, chili peppers, and other foods. Prior to this, she lived in a humid environment, likely a rainforest, subsisting on plants and roots.
A Scientific Feat
From its bones, the team pieced together a vivid narrative of the monkey’s life, from its early days in the wild to its capture and eventual death. While the monkey’s precise diplomatic purpose remains uncertain, the scientific achievement of deducing its life history based on dietary evidence is truly remarkable. This discovery underscores the potential of archaeological science to unveil intricate details about the past.
Conclusion
The discovery of the spider monkey at Teotihuacán provides valuable insights into the complex diplomatic relationships between the Maya and Teotihuacán civilizations. This remarkable find challenges previous assumptions about the power dynamics of the time and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the mysteries of the past. Further research will continue to explore the significance of this ancient diplomatic exchange and its implications for understanding Mesoamerican history.
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