Poultry in Motion: The Translocation of Turkeys (Meleagris spp.) in Ancient Greater Nicoya, Costa Rica

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Materials in Movement in the Isthmo-Colombian Area" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The trade and movement of animals and animal-derived artifacts was widespread and varied significantly throughout the ancient Americas, often requiring substantial efforts comparable to that employed in acquiring other material resources or prestige items. Originally native to parts of modern-day Mexico and the United States, turkeys (Meleagris spp.) represent an example of animals that were intentionally translocated or moved outside of their native environments in pre-colonial times. Preliminary data from the Greater Nicoya area of northwestern Costa Rica, the southernmost region where turkeys appear to have been translocated, 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. Their association with elite goods is also indicated by their representation in high quality ceramics accompanied by scenes and symbols of power and prestige. Using ancient DNA, stable isotope, and osteological data, my research aims 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.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Materials in Movement in the Isthmo-Colombian Area   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 38607.0