Beyond the Dinner Table: The Sacred History of Turkeys in Mayan Culture
Written by America Arellano
Did you know that turkeys were worshiped in the past? While it's not quite correct to compare turkeys to gods, there is a lot of evidence dating back as far as 300 B.C. stating they were considered extremely sacred creatures. The art and iconography left behind demonstrate that turkeys held a certain amount of cultural significance. They were one of the only species in Pre-Colonial Mayan culture that could be domesticated in the Mesoamerican environment. Turkeys were domesticated not just for food, but also for social status.
Evidence of this remains in the form of bones found in sacred temples that were from a particular breed of turkey, Meleagris ocellata. This shows that domesticated turkeys were introduced early in the culture and that they were valued for more than just food. In fact, it’s likely they were used for ceremonial purposes, reflecting a new light on Mayan history and the relationship that both wild and domesticated turkeys shared with this civilization's sacred past.
The Meleagris ocellata species was native to Central Mexico and became especially notable due to its strikingly colored feathers. They were often used in religious ceremonies, such as New Year's sacrifices. These turkeys were seen as beings of immense power, extensions of the gods, if not deities in their own right.
Not surprisingly, turkeys have appeared in glyphs and art left by the Mayans. They were seen as both positive and negative omens, depending on the historical materials being examined. While some sources associate them as unlucky creatures who brought starvation with them. Others viewed them as worthy sacrifices to ensure prosperity and fertility, as well as messengers of the gods.
Understanding the historical and cultural significance of turkeys is important, as it allows us to appreciate their role in human history and cultural practices. It also helps us make informed decisions about conservation efforts and sustainable agriculture practices, ensuring that we preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations. So, the next time you sit down to a Thanksgiving meal, remember that the turkey on your plate has a fascinating and complex history beyond just being the main course.
Evidence of this remains in the form of bones found in sacred temples that were from a particular breed of turkey, Meleagris ocellata. This shows that domesticated turkeys were introduced early in the culture and that they were valued for more than just food. In fact, it’s likely they were used for ceremonial purposes, reflecting a new light on Mayan history and the relationship that both wild and domesticated turkeys shared with this civilization's sacred past.
The Meleagris ocellata species was native to Central Mexico and became especially notable due to its strikingly colored feathers. They were often used in religious ceremonies, such as New Year's sacrifices. These turkeys were seen as beings of immense power, extensions of the gods, if not deities in their own right.
Not surprisingly, turkeys have appeared in glyphs and art left by the Mayans. They were seen as both positive and negative omens, depending on the historical materials being examined. While some sources associate them as unlucky creatures who brought starvation with them. Others viewed them as worthy sacrifices to ensure prosperity and fertility, as well as messengers of the gods.
Understanding the historical and cultural significance of turkeys is important, as it allows us to appreciate their role in human history and cultural practices. It also helps us make informed decisions about conservation efforts and sustainable agriculture practices, ensuring that we preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations. So, the next time you sit down to a Thanksgiving meal, remember that the turkey on your plate has a fascinating and complex history beyond just being the main course.