Archaeology, Faunal Analysis, and Interpretation: Lessons from Maya Studies

Abstract

This article presents a non-zooarchaeological viewpoint, as a response to many of the themes presented in this special journal issue, and based on discussions that occurred during the 2003 Society for American Archaeology Forum, Zooarchaeology in the Humid American Tropics: Making the Most of the Data. Our experience in the Maya region shows many areas in which zooarchaeology can provide valuable contributions to better understanding the past. A fundamental need is better collaboration between field directors and faunal specialists. We highlight both the importance of expanding the contributions that faunal specialists make in understanding larger societal questions, and the need for more training in zooarchaeology as well as more in-country comparative collections and specialists. Finally, we emphasize the need for funding to support this research, including the post-field analysis.