Between Culinary and Consecrated—The Introduction and Management of Turkeys in Greater Nicoya, Costa Rica

Domestication and animal management practices held critical roles in ancient societies, supporting reliable sources of food and other animal-derived products, as well as influencing cultural practices. These human-animal relationships include a plethora of interactions within local environments, yet only a few ancient societies went to great lengths to translocate or intentionally introduce species to new environments. Even in today’s globalized world, the introduction of a new species is often accompanied by various challenges, illustrating the complex dynamic between human choices and environmental factors. As one of the few domestic animals in the Americas, the spread of turkeys (Meleagris spp.) presents an intriguing case for understanding human-animal interactions and the introduction of non-native animals in the past. My dissertation research investigates the introduction and management of turkeys in the Greater Nicoya archaeological area of northwestern Costa Rica, the southernmost region where turkeys appear to have been translocated. While many resources and goods were traded both within and outside of Mesoamerica, turkey distribution areas are poorly understood. In this multicultural frontier of pre-contact Mesoamerica, my research suggests that these non-native birds may have been a restricted resource that served as indicators of social organization. Furthermore, turkeys may have been acquired through local participation in an elite-based regional interaction sphere. Using osteological, ancient DNA, stable isotope, and iconographic data, my research aimed to understand and address social aspects of turkey translocation and management practices within ancient Greater Nicoya societies during a period of important sociopolitical changes, increasing social inequality, and the arrival of foreign groups into the area.​

Author dc:creator

• Susan M. Monge (23292079)

• Anthropology, Archaeology
• Ancient Animal Management
• Avian Translocation
• Domestication

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright
• Open Access after 2028-01-01

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.31451779.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/31451779