Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
Anthropology
Advisor
Timothy Pugh
Committee Members
Thomas Plummer
Ekaterina Pechenkina
Ashley Sharpe
Subject Categories
Archaeological Anthropology | Environmental Studies | Food Studies
Keywords
Mesoamerica, Maya, Zooarchaeology, food, complexity, cooperation
Abstract
This dissertation delves into the pre-Columbian Preclassic Maya civilization, examining the societal dynamics, subsistence strategies, and cultural practices at Nixtun-Ch’ich’, Guatemala through the analysis of animal bones. Animal bones are used as indicators of dietary habits, social structures, and ideological beliefs. The findings highlight a diet that evolved from favoring a complex array of strategies in the Middle Preclassic period to one that concentrated on a few mammals and freshwater resources. These decisions were influenced by sociopolitical changes from the Middle to Late Preclassic periods. Excavations of three residences (J1, C2/1, R2/1, and R1/2) and four public spaces (Mound ZZ1, Fosa Y, Fosa I, structures AA2, and Z5) provide evidence for differentiated faunal distributions and food-sharing practices between households and ceremonial sites, hinting at community cohesion alongside emerging social stratification. The study uses cosmological frameworks to support faunal interpretations and infer distinct functions in public, domestic, and ritual activities. Additionally, this analysis reveals that communal activities, most notably feasting, were integral to maintaining social coherence, supported by faunal remains that exhibited shared access to resources across various social settings. The research confronts methodological challenges such as taphonomic effects and dating limitations but sets the stage for future studies using advanced analytical techniques to further unearth the complexities of Preclassic Maya societies. Through zooarchaeological analyses, this work contributes to our understanding of the cooperative strategies and foundations of social complexity characteristic of the Preclassic Maya.
Recommended Citation
Georges, Jemima, "Faunal Use and Distribution at the Site of Nixtun-Ch'ich', Petén, Guatemala" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5882
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Included in
Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Food Studies Commons