Room PE264, Sports & Wellness Centre or message us for the Zoom link!
Abstract:
Freshwater turtles might seem an unlikely subject for archaeological research, yet they played surprisingly complex roles for the ancient Maya. Turtles appear not only in household refuse but also elaborate ritual offerings and artistic depictions. Shells could be fashioned into instruments or containers, while their images conveyed themes of fertility, water, and cosmology. What might it mean that the same animal could serve as both a meal and a sacred symbol?
This talk examines how zooarchaeology, iconography, isotopes, and ancient DNA together provide new insights into the many uses and meanings of turtles in the Maya world. Drawing from research at Lamanai, Belize, and elsewhere, I explore how these animals linked everyday life to broader networks of trade, ritual practice, and identity. Were turtles managed, exchanged, or even revered in ways we are only beginning to understand? The lecture will highlight ongoing research and encourage reflection on what turtles can reveal about human-animal relationships in the ancient Americas.
Presenter Bios:
Dr. Arianne Boileau is a Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at MRU.
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