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Link to enlarge image K5741 © Justin Kerr Charles Zidar
ANCIENT MAYA ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Family:  Cebidae
Genus:  Ateles
Species:  geoffroyi
Authority:  Kuhl, 1820
Common Name:  Spider Monkey
Maya Name:  Tucha, Ma’ax
Faunal Type:  Primate
Depictions:  Polychrome Ceramics
Significance:  Monkeys may have been revered for their human-like or mischievous behavior. Hun Baatz (“One Monkey”), was one of the two older brothers of the hero twins. They were often depicted holding quills and plumes and summoned for help with the arts (music, painting and sculpture) (Coe 1977). Widely represented animal in ancient Maya iconography.
Photos:  Click on an image below for high resolution comparison.


Other Faunal Photos:   Additional views of the faunal species, click on a photo below to view larger image.
Artifact Photo(s) Courtesy of Justin Kerr (FAMSI); Animal Photo(s) Courtesy of Wikipedia GNU General Public License Version 1.2, November 2002; Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0/2.5 License(s).



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