This new web site is dedicated to the photography and study of mammals, birds, fish, shellfish, insects, spiders, and scorpions which were revered, worshipped, eaten, or utilized by the Classic Maya of Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. This site is focused on Maya ethnozoology and zooarchaeology of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
The creatures of tropical pre-Columbian Mesoamerica which were the most commonly revered were jaguars, deer, turtles, toads, snakes, spider monkeys and various birds, especially macaws, vultures, hummingbird, and water birds. Fish, snails, conch and shellfish were important in rituals as well as diet.
White tail deer Odocoileus virginianus at Autosafari Chapin Park. Photo by Nicholas Hellmuth, Guatemala.
Veined tree frog, Phrynohyas venulosa, at Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City. Photo by Sofia Monzon.
