Teotihuacan-Maya Ritual Economies: Excavations at Plaza of the Columns Complex, Teotihuacan

FAIN: RFW-279331-21

Regents of the University of California, Riverside (Riverside, CA 92521-0001)
Nawa Sugiyama (Project Director: September 2020 to present)

Excavation and survey to detail the presence and influence of Maya residents at the ancient city of Teotihuacan in central Mexico (c. 1-550 CE). (36 months)

Project Plaza of the Columns Complex will explore how the governing elite of Teotihuacan, Mexico (1-550 CE) perpetuated the state through the mechanism of a performance-driven ritual economy. We hypothesize production and exchange of meaning-laden objects/structures for and in rituals explicitly reified foreign relations and bestowed cosmic authority upon the Teotihuacan state early in the city’s history. The explicit involvement of foreign aristocrats recorded in the rituals at Plaza of the Columns constitutes an unprecedented documentation of foreign diplomacy during Teotihuacan’s pivotal ascent to prominence in Classic Mesoamerica’s dynamic landscape. We request three years of funding for fieldwork at Plaza of the Columns Complex.

Media Coverage

This 1,700-year-old sacrificial monkey has a surprising tale (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Romey, Kristin
Publication: National Geographic
Date: 11/21/2022
Abstract: This playful primate may have been a diplomatic gift to Teotihuacan from the Maya at a time of murky relations between two powerful Mesoamerican groups.
URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/spider-monkey-sacrifice-discovery-maya-teotihuacan

Sacri􀀁ced monkey suggests peaceful ties between ancient Mesoamerican powers (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Alex, Bridget
Publication: Science
Date: 11/21/2022
Abstract: A spider monkey may have been a diplomatic gift from the Maya to Teotihuacan
URL: https://www.science.org/content/article/sacrificed-monkey-suggests-peaceful-ties-between-ancient-mesoamerican-powers

Monkey sacrifice is a gift for historians (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Whipple, Tom
Publication: The Times
Date: 11/22/2022
Abstract: Write up in London's The Times (in print and online formats)
URL: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/monkey-sacrifice-is-a-gift-for-historians-0bxcjq0s9

Remains of a Spider Monkey Traded by Ancient Maya Elites Found in Mexico (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Schultz, Isaac
Publication: Gizmodo
Date: 11/23/2022
Abstract: Online publication in Gizmodo
URL: https://gizmodo.com/spider-monkey-traded-by-ancient-mayans-found-in-mexico-1849815927

Chanal 22 Noticias (Media Coverage)
Publication: Chanal 22
Date: 8/22/2023
Abstract: News coverage about excavations at Project Plaza of the Columns Complex on Channel 22, a National TV program in Mexico.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nye_P1PLewA

Destacan labor de arqueólogo japonés en Teotihuacan (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Javier Salinas Cesáreo
Publication: La Jornada
Date: 8/27/2023
Abstract: Describes Project Plaza of the Columns Complex excavations and lab analysis alongside the political visit by the ambassador of Japan in Mexico. This was released in the La Jornada newspaper in print, and online.
URL: https://www.jornada.com.mx/notas/2023/08/23/cultura/destacan-labor-de-arqueologo-japones-en-teotihuacan/

Realizan homenaje luctuoso al arqueólogo Rubén Cabrera Castro (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Javier Salinas Cesáreo
Publication: La Jornada
Date: 8/27/2023
Abstract: Summary of conference in memory of Ruben Cabrera Castro.
URL: https://www.jornada.com.mx/notas/2023/08/24/cultura/realizan-homenaje-luctuoso-a-antropologo-ruben-cabrera-castro/

Associated Products

Earliest Evidence of Primate Captivity and Translocation Supports Gift Diplomacy Between Teotihuacan and the Maya (Article)
Title: Earliest Evidence of Primate Captivity and Translocation Supports Gift Diplomacy Between Teotihuacan and the Maya
Author: Sugiyama, Nawa
Author: Sugiyama, Saburo
Author: Cagnato, Clarissa
Author: France, Christine A.M.
Author: Iriki, Atsushi
Author: Hughes, Karissa
Author: Singleton, Robin R.
Author: Thornton, Erin
Author: Hofman, Courtney A.
Abstract: A multimethod archaeometry study (zooarchaeological, isotopic, ancient DNA, paleobotanical, and radiocarbon dating) of a spider monkey sacrificed in the ceremonial center of Teotihuacan, Mexico (1 to 550 CE) is interpreted as a diplomatic gift exchange with neighboring Maya. Not only does this spider monkey provide the earliest known instance of primate translocation and captivity in Mesoamerica, it helps date incipient modes of interregional diplomacy between two major powers during Early Classic Mesoamerica: Teotihuacan and the Maya. Details of human–primate interaction include age at capture and transport (before ∼3 y of age), captive duration (over 2 y), anthropogenic diet (staple was maize, though secondary resources unique to anthropogenic diet including arrowroot and chili pepper were also found), context of sacrifice (tethered and associated with complete golden eagle and an array of other statecrafts), and general site context (including presence of Maya vessels and Maya-style murals). The timing of the spider monkey’s sacrifice (250 to 300 CE) and its life history suggest a reconsideration of epigraphically attested militaristic involvement of Teotihuacan at certain Maya sites. We propose that a period of more multilateral and fluid ritual exchange with Maya dignitaries preceded the Teotihuacan state’s eventual ascent to prominence.
Year: 2022
Primary URL: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2212431119
Primary URL Description: Open access link to the article
Access Model: Open access
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: PNAS
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Plaza of the Columns Complex, Results 2022 (Web Resource)
Title: Plaza of the Columns Complex, Results 2022
Author: Yolanda Pealez
Author: Nawa Sugiyama
Abstract: Summary of results form the the 2022 excavation seasons published on our website, built since 2017. There are many other additional pages, including bios of new project participants, and blogs and feeds from project-related conferences and events.
Year: 2023
Primary URL: http://ppcteotihuacan.org/en/results/results-2022/
Primary URL Description: Page within the Project Plaza of the Columns Complex website that is administrated by PI N. Sugiyama. We provide regular updates on project activities, including conference presentations, etc. Here is a new page we created summarizing the results of the two field seasons that were covered by the NEH grant.

Revisiting “Mesoamerica’s Classic Heritage”: Updates from Teotihuacan (Article)
Title: Revisiting “Mesoamerica’s Classic Heritage”: Updates from Teotihuacan
Author: Nawa Sugiyama
Abstract: The chapter revisits the ideas explored in the volume, Mesoamerica's Classic Heritage (2000). Teotihuacan sustained a pan-Mesoamerican worldview conspicuously materialized into the form and layout of the city. The chapter provides an update on the timing and nature of multi-regional interaction, and how innovative intellectual knowledge was materialized into key symbols. It highlights new finds from Project Plaza of the Columns Complex within this grand synthesis of data since this seminal publication two decades ago.
Year: 2023
Primary URL: https://www.barpublishing.com/when-east-meets-west-volumes-i-and-ii.html
Access Model: E-book and in print
Format: Other
Publisher: BAR Publishing

Proyecto Complejo Plaza de las Columnas, Teotihuacan: Informe Parcial de la Sexta Temporada (2022) (Report)
Title: Proyecto Complejo Plaza de las Columnas, Teotihuacan: Informe Parcial de la Sexta Temporada (2022)
Author: Nawa Sugiyama
Author: Saburo Sugiyama
Author: Luis Rogelio Rivero Chong
Abstract: Federal report reviewed and approved by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), that is archived at the National Archive of INAH. Includes nine chapters written by project members and collaborators of the results from the two field seasons in 2022 and laboratory work. This report includes many student authors and co-authors.
Date: 06/13/2023
Access Model: National Archive of INAH, Mexican federal agency

Teotihuacan and the Missing Staple: An Analysis of Deer Use at Plaza of the Columns Complex (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Teotihuacan and the Missing Staple: An Analysis of Deer Use at Plaza of the Columns Complex
Author: Esther Aguayo
Author: Nawa Sugiyama
Author: Yen-Shin Hsu
Author: Christine France
Abstract: This poster investigates the dynamic, complex food system of Teotihuacan (150 BCE-550 CE) in central Mexico and how white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) played an unusual, supporting dietary role for the Teotihuacan elite and its people. While deer was the largest mammal in the Pre-Columbian world and a staple food source for numerous Mesoamerican urban centers, they are virtually absent at Teotihuacan, representing just 3.9% of the city’s faunal assemblage. Previous research in Teotihuacan determined that, despite an estimated population of over 100,000 people at its height, even commoners had access to adequate amounts of protein. This investigation details the abnormal distribution of deer bones at Plaza of the Columns Complex (PCC), a palatial-administrative complex within the ceremonial center of Teotihuacan. The distribution (NISP 425) at PCC demonstrates that deer were not underutilized as a food source but instead limited to specific ritual contexts, with the best evidence for food consumption located at an offering and feast. Outside of these contexts, deer elements were more suitable for tool making than for consumption. Comparative analyses using bone surfaces, stable isotopes indicating diet and provenance, and element distribution evaluating deer usage to more abundant fauna provide a comprehensive view of food acquisition and animal exploitation at Teotihuacan and broaden our understanding of the food system necessary to feed a large population.
Date: 4/2/2022

Teotihuacan-Maya Diplomacy: Updates from Project Plaza of the Columns Complex & Ciudades Cosmicas (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Teotihuacan-Maya Diplomacy: Updates from Project Plaza of the Columns Complex & Ciudades Cosmicas
Author: Nawa Sugiyama
Author: Saburo Sugiyama
Abstract: Synthesis of Maya-Teotihuacan interaction from the Project Plaza of the Columns Complex, Teotihuacan, including the results of analysis of Offering D4 where a spider monkey was found was presented. Paper presented as part of the Being Maya: Identity, Ontology, Agency Workshop held at the Santa Fe Institute, New Mexico.
Date: 08/03/2022
Conference Name: Santa Fe Institute, Behing Maya: Identity, Ontology, Agency Workshop

Hallazgos Recientes en la Plaza de las Columnas (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Hallazgos Recientes en la Plaza de las Columnas
Abstract: Updated summary of preliminary results from Project Plaza of the Columns Complex excavations presented for tour guides that are trying to obtain their certificate to become guides at archaeological sites within Mexico. It directly educates the guides who will be able to provide updated information to tourists throughout Mexico.
Author: Nawa Sugiyama
Date: 8/28/2021
Location: Online

Proyecto Complejo Plaza de las Columnas: Homenaje a Rubén Cabrera Castro (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Proyecto Complejo Plaza de las Columnas: Homenaje a Rubén Cabrera Castro
Author: Nawa Sugiyama
Abstract: Reflections on the legacy of archaeologist Ruben Cabrera Castro in research at Teotihuacan in light of the new discoveries of Project Plaza of the Columns Complex. This was a public event organized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History at the Teotihuacan Archaeological Park open to the public.
Date: 8/23/2023
Conference Name: National Instite of Anthropology and History (INAH)

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