Animal use at the Postclassic Maya center of Mayapán

This paper presents archeological evidence for animal use at Mayapán, the largest capital city of the Postclassic period Maya lowlands. The most commonly consumed species were white-tailed deer, turkey, and iguana, and other important but less frequent animals in the assemblage were dog, peccary, and brocket deer. A wide variety of local and non-local fauna were also recovered. Our analysis of 97,416 faunal bones is based on two distinct samples that are compared in this study—the site's monumental center buildings (temples, halls, shrines, and nearby houses) and the outlying domestic settlement zones. Four arguments are presented regarding Mayapán's animal use in this paper. First, certain rare mammals and marine species were likely obtained through trade. Second, evidence suggests that white-tailed deer were either raised in captivity or were carefully managed in habitats surrounding the city. Surplus deer meat and skeletal elements were major commodities for exchange and local consumption. Third, dog, exotic animals, and specific deer elements were preferentially utilized for monumental center activities. Fourth, culturally prescribed methods of ritually discarding deer skulls were practiced at Mayapán. Mayapán's faunal exploitation patterns were embedded in important ways within the city's larger regional, coastal-inland economic system. Key similarities and differences with other Maya sites are identified.