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Archaeological use and distributio
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National Geographic Society -Tulane University
Program of Research
in
Yucatan
The Archaeological Use and Distribution

of Mollusca in the
Maya Lowlands
E. Wyllys Andrews
Publication 34
Middle American Research Institute
Tulane University
New
1969
Orleans
IV
PUBLISHED WITH THE AID OF A GRANT FROM
THE FORD FOUNDATION

MARGARET
A. L.
HARRISON
ROBERT WAUCHOPE
Editors

of Mollusca in the
Maya Lowlands
Frontispiece
Two Maya paintings of the sea, murals in the Chac Mool Temple, buried under the Temple of
the Warriors at Chichen Itza. Modified Florescent period. (From Morris, Chariot, and Morris, 1931, pis. 139, 159).
National Geographic Society -Tulane University
Program of Research
in
Yucatan

of Mollusca in the
Maya Lowlands
E. Wyllys
Publication 34
Middle American Research Institute
Tulane University
New
1969
Orleans
Andrews IV
F
T<15~
Contents
Introduction
Annotated Checklist of Marine Species
Annotated Checklist of Freshwater Species

Annotated Checklist of Land Species
Discussion
34
35
Ecology
35
Trade
41
Temporal Factors
45
Use of
Shells as Votive Offerings
Use of
Shells as
Use
32
Ornaments
Raw
of Shell as
Use of Molluscs
as
53
56
Material
Food
48
56
Summary and Conclusions
60
Archaeological Occurrences of Other Marine Invertebrates
Appendix
hi
References
Index of Molluscan Species
113
Illustrations
Frontispiece
Two Maya paintings of the
sea.
Text Figures
1.
Map
2.
Ecological provinces of the Yucatan littoral
3.
Trade
the
of the
Maya
area
and adjacent regions
relations suggested
Maya lowlands
4. Dzibilchaltun, Str. 38,
36
by archaeological finds of Mollusca in
44
Cache
51
5.
Marine
6.
Tinklers from a private collection in Merida
life
as seen
on the facade of
Str. 1,
Dzibilchaltun
54
55
Plates
1. Fissurellidae,
Trochidae, Turbinidae
65
67
2.
Neritidae, Littorinidae
3.
Vermetidae, Turritellidae, Planaxidae, Cerithiidae, Calyptraeidae,

Naticidae
69
107
4-
Strombidae
71
5.
Cypraeidae, Ovulidae
6.
Cassididae and miscellaneous small gastropods
7
8
Cymatiidae, Tonnidae, Ficidae
Muricidae
77
81
Melongenidae, Fasciolariidae
83
11. Miscellaneous large gastropods
Conidae
12. Olividae,
13- Arcidae,
85
87
Glycymeridae
89
Mytilidae, Isognomonidae, Pteriidae

J 5-
91
Pinnidae, Plicatulidae, Pectinidae, Spondylidae, Limidae,
Anomiidae, Carditidae
93
16. Ostreidae, Corbiculiidae, Lucinidae
Chamidae
97
18. Cardiidae
99
17.
19.
75
79
Melongenidae
9
10
73
95
101
Veneridae
103
20. Tellinidae, Mactridae

21. Miscellaneous gastropods
and pelecypods
105
Tables-
modern
1.
Archaeological occurrence and
2.
Archaeological shell from Dzibilchaltun
3.
Marine molluscs from
at
lowland Maya
sites
Isla
distribution of molluscs found
37
46
Cancun Midden, Quintana Roo, Mexico
57
Acknowledgments
The National Geographic

sity
Program of Research
SocietyTulane Univer-
Educacion Publica of Mexico, through the Instituto
which
Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, which will be
at Dzibilchaltun, of
the present studies form a part, operated under
the repository of the collections described.
grants from the National Science Foundation and
for help
the
American Philosophical
tions for this paper

in the
Society.
The
illustra-
were prepared and processed
National Geographic Society photographic
archaeological
contract with,
Davalos Hurtado, Director of the
and
their
of,
the Secretaria de
Dr. Eusebio
Instituto, as well
Monuments
Yucatan representatives during our long
work has been done under
and direction
late
as the several Directors of Prehispanic
period of work.
laboratory.
AH
and guidance are due the
Thanks
J December 1966
Introduction
In the excavations at Dzibilchaltun between 1956
and 1965, over 2300
fragments appeared, in addition

other forms of marine
facts
were made of
form that the
marine
identifiable
life.
shell
number
large
which had
was
species
many
remains of
to
so lost
and
shells
its
of artioriginal
unidentifiable.
soon
It
clear that the sea, only 10 miles north of
became
the ruins, played a very significant role in the

of the ancients. This role
animals, from
was
their frequent appearance in
and ceremonial caches and portrayal

were important in ceremonial
and
of the jewelry
conclusion that
many
Maya
because
modes
pleased them.
it
in shell-collecting
to
come), we believe
we of today,
collected
utilitarian value
also
simply
became apparent
and usage
that
as well as trade
is
site
worthwhile
to
yet taken
some time
review in some
from our
and that previously reported from Yucatan.
We have included an
unpublished collection of some
of the specimens for clues to early trade.
a reference to any
new
Under each
or published knowl-
edge regarding use and association, as well as age

of the deposits in
The
of additional entries in
present report summarizes
some 15,000
chaeological specimens of 192 species from 18
At some
sites, shells
were never
identified
ar-
sites.
below the
was of
sites this
in the tabulations except in the
necessity
few instances where
the presence of a genus seemed important per
some
significant alteration
made
se,
or
the specimen of
particular interest.
geographic distributions and taxonomic iden-
seem overly
tifications
precise or sophisticated in
an
undocumented malacologically,
because we have drawn heavily on a manuscript
area as yet virtually

it is
on the ecological distribution and make-up of the
modern molluscan fauna
now
in
of the Yucatan Peninsula
preparation by the present author.
More
than 15,000 specimens of over 600 species have been
which the specimens were found.
insula to the
and on the
Most archaeological reports have

phabetically by genera
This
is
Tellina)
forms from- the southern
Maya
lowlands, including the British
Peten
sites
Honduras and
and Copan, but only with items of un-
usual interest from farther afield.
Some
species
have
and
(e.g.,
lie
Area and Noetia or Arcopagia and

at different
ends of the
discussions will be rather lengthy,

listings
Excavations
still
in progress
at Tikal,
by the University of
Guatemala, have contributed
under families and genera
(1954). Species within genera are
list,
have drawn up
in phylogenetic
scheme used by Abbott

listed in alphabet-
For the convenience of readers
ical
order.
this
ordering offers
difficulty,
by genera and species
is
making
and clumsy. As
discussions of the groups difficult
order, generally following the
and are
listed shells al-
convenient for the reader unfamiliar with
but have appeared at other lowland
sites
Campeche,
species within genera.
not been reported archaeologically from Yucatan,
in coastal waters of the peninsula.
in
zoology but has the disadvantage that closely related
with reported marine
life
Laguna de Terminos
distant atolls at the outer edge of the
Campeche Bank.
shells
Pennsylvania
through 1964,
the checklist.
Comparison with the Yucatan material may be made
common
grate-
manu-
available
collections
number
am
TurnefTe Islands, British Honduras, around the pen-
have attempted to establish original provenience
is
which furnished
making
Cancun, Quintana Roo. This midden,
midden on
excavated in 1963 (Andrews, 1965, pp. 4245).
listing
on further
notes
and
catalogued from more than 50 stations from the
a shell
representing a brief Late Formative occupation,
on Hattula Moholy-Nagy's summary
her generosity in
ful for
script
have
the Caribbean
6500 molluscs from

coast of Isla
heavily
of material collected through 1962,
If
by far the largest
detail the exact identification of material
own
drawn
These items are not included
will probably be so for

it
ation have, of course, not been completed.
true of certain shells.
and chronologically most comprehensive

Yucatan (and
by species, and data on archaeological associ-
and we cannot escape the
the Dzibilchaltun collection
in
tified
all
varied greatly from period to period in history.
As
of their collection has not been finally iden-
generic level, and at
no
It
Much
Much
were made of
of old, as
attractive shells of
in sculptures,
used as food.
artifacts at the site
several molluscan species,
tombs
Fish and mol-
life.
much
appear to have been
luscs
life
multiple one. Marine
the largest body of comparative material available.
to
whom
an alphabetical index
added
at the end.
Syno-
Alocran Reef
Son Felipe
Rio Lagortos
Dzilam Bravo
Minas de Oro
GULF OF MEXICO
El
Cuyo
Cabo Cotoche
Chavlhou
Telchac Puerto
Dolores
Pro g r e so^^^L^^z
mTT
uburirio,^F*''
C hub
u/0 g^'*'"*^,& * <7 s a
Slsaj,
tf
XDZIBIU
LCHAUTUN
*\
ISLA
Trlongulos Reefs
CANCUN MIDDEN
Merido
YUCATAN
OXKLNTOK
--
C
ISLA
JAIN A
l
CALCEHTOK
A
M
CH1CHEN
"TZA-L
XBALANKANCHE
Kaua
-LUXMAL
KABAHi-
J_
tsla
Corumel
J-LOLTUN
J-LABNA
Bohla de
La Ascension
*Champoton
r
Chenkan
roo
quintana
.....
Ciudod Carmen
C
fclsla
L^?
ZacalQl^J^LOguno
Aguada
î
do
CAMPEC
Lake Bacaiar
HE
(/yL
CARIBBEAN SEA
j/t^CayoNorf
Tormlnos
Chlnchoro Bonk
GULF OF
HONDURAS
CHIAPAS
GUATEMALA
PACIFIC
OCEAN
Fig.
Map
of the
Maya
area,
showing
locations
mentioned
in the checklists.
Introduction
nyms have not been
there
is
change
in the literature or recent
some confusion
in
when
except
listed
had long
felt
that publication of photographs of
often fragmentary
unworked
shells in archaeological
was an unnecessary expense, one which

intended to avoid. However, in the course of
I
preparating this report, I realized that two factors
it
illustration strongly desirable. First, dur-
ing the continuous change and rearrangement which

characterizes
zoological taxonomy, generic
all
terms rapidly become obsolete
specific
18 Atlantic molluscs listed on
Artifacts of Uaxactun,
of the
p.
and
the
(e.g., of
61 of Kidder's
names have become
is
amplifies.
These modern
Some
shells are
italic letters (aa,
collec-
fragment
to the illustration beside the
added
double lowercase
field reports
made such
complete specimen from our modern
shell, a
tion
taxonomy.
I
too fragmentary to give a proper impression of the
designated by
bb, cc).
of the fragments illustrated
may seem
to
be
slim grounds for identification, but those published
here are reasonably certain.
hinge
small fragment of
usually sufficient for immediate identifica-
is
tion of pelecypod
genus and often
species,
and
final
identification can be often aided by a process of elim-
ination.
For example, a small part of the ligamental
area of an ark shell identifies
only one species of Noetia
it
as Noetia; there
known
our specimen
in
is
American Atponderosa.
obsolete since publication in 1947). Often, without
lantic waters; ergo
the actual specimen or a photograph at hand,
is
Similarly, a relatively tiny fragment of gastropod
which taxon these obsolete
can often be precisely identified by comparison with
difficult
names
to be sure
to
it
TV.
is
purposely broken modern specimens from the area.
refer.
Second, because of their poor preservation and
We
have been greatly helped by Harold and Emily
sometimes fragmentary condition, identification of
Vokes, invertebrate palaeontologists from Tulane
often extremely difficult and
University, both specializing in Tertiary and Re-
archaeological shells
bound
errors are
is
to occur.
and knowledge of the

misidentifications
if
may
As reference
local
collections
fauna increase, these
often be corrected, but only
the originals or clear photographs are at hand.
For example, the large conch Strombus costatus
common on
extremely
On
the north coast of Yucatan.
the Caribbean coast of the peninsula,
entirely replaced
form
S. gigas,
is
it is
almost
by the larger and quite distinct
which never appears on the north

Strombus
coast.
At Dzibilchaltun, 486
identifiable
shells
and fragments were
of costatus, as
all
would
cent Mollusca. Their job, like the archaeologist's,
has often
required precise identification of
fossil
material from small fragments, so our problem
was
new to them. They were kind enough

spend many days in the field with us working
by no means
to
on the archaeological
many weeks
collections (in the course of
helping with our present project), and
have checked every identification presented

discussion.
Without
their help,
in this
we would have been
extremely hesitant to publish these pages. Thanks

are also due to Dr.
Alan Solem of the Field
who
Museum
be expected from gathering on the nearby coast.
of Natural History,
Proskouriakoff (1962, pp. 38485,
and freshwater molluscs, but was kind enough
however, reported the
pan
to be S. gigas,
common
figs.
43, 47),
large conch at
which would imply
access to the neighboring north coast
Maya-
a lack of
200
away
see below,
across
would be
other evidence
the reader
tion,
Quintana Roo. This,
as
we
in direct contradiction to
now on
hand. Without
would be forced
shall
much
illustration,
to accept this identifica-
but with Proskouriakoff's excellent illustrations
the problem
is
quickly resolved.
The specimens
are
in
manuscript the corresponding two annexes
The modern
are
strictly
distributions, unless otherwise noted,
peninsular,
not implying presence or
absence in other adjacent or remote areas.

reflect
only the specimens in our
ings in malacological
literature.
intensive to
make most
that
tion
and
also
going a step further.
On
plates
collec-
1 21,
Where
these are
it is still
As noted above,
sufficiently
we must
bear in
mind
only a sampling and that some species
surely have a larger range
on the peninsula than we
have indicated.
the archaeological specimens are designated by single lowercase italic letters (a, b, c).
we
of the geographical listings
approximately correct. But
our
collection;
our collection of larger species has been
gigas.
illustrating
own
They
have not yet collated the scattered peninsular report-
clearly the north coast costatus, not the east coast
For these reasons, we are
to
to the checklist.
and unneces-
sary trade in bulk with the Caribbean coast over
miles
check
not only identified land
Although some recent sources have attempted

to
distinguish
between complete
specimens
and
MoLLUSCA IN THE MAYA LOWLANDS
4
sometimes estimating the number of
fragments,
complete specimens represented by fragments,
we
decided not to attempt this distinction in the tabulations.
The
metric volume of our excavations, chosen
for elucidation of stratigraphic or architectural prob-
lems (and frequently
to enlarge the
sample of rare
sometimes by simply translating the Latin binomial
(often with
fascinating
results,
Venus"), sometimes by reversing

using the
name
"Doc
sometimes by
Bales'
it
was named
Ark"). In
any definable percentage of
Maya. But normally
which could make an estimate
original
the
of
the generic level
Spanish or
differentiation of shells below
would be
Terms
Salis'
this area, of course,
popular names would have been in
occupational debris
"von
(e.g.
ceramic forms), would almost never correspond to

total
"Rigid
of the author of the species or the
person in whose honor

Triton,"
it,
e.g.
of interest only to the
number
of entire specimens significant. This
same
volume
is
terms of the
total
generic or family stature, are useful for popular
hope
identification. Therefore,
insignificant
so
in
surrounding deposits that there would be
little
of accuracy in attempting such an estimate.
usually
not,
We have
overcomplicated the sum-
therefore,
malacologist.
placed popular
genera
lar
"complete" specimens and fragments which might
as a whole.
Where
deposits.
some
the discovery of
whole
shells has
the text.
we have
tried to include this in
is
on
file
num-
noted as pairs.
Fuller descriptions and extra-peninsular distribu-
most of the Atlantic molluscs discussed may
be found in Abbott (1954) and
Warmke and
Abbott
(1961). All Pacific species mentioned are described
Keen (1958) and Olsson (1961, pelecypods
only).
These comprehensive works ably define the larger

fauna which
we
Where we have
minology used
only sample in our restricted area.

occasionally deviated
in such
major
from the
studies,
it
because of recent taxonomic revisions or
acquired locally. In this report,
wished
detail
times
to
in
ter-
has been
new mate-
we have
not
overburden the reader with taxonomic

justification
we seem
of our identifications. If at
to the professional zoologist to
have
presumed too much, may we ask provisional quarter until
our larger study of the modern collections
reaches print.
has long been customary in malacological
liter-
ature intended for others than specialists in the field

to include the
English popular name, despite the
fact that, in the true

shells
meaning of
the word, most
do not have and never had popular names.
These have often been made up by the
MMS
P
bers of pelecypods always refer to single valves unless
tions of
should be noted that, in the tabulations,
specialist,
of
in parenthesis after the family
our area rather than of the family
indicate
principal
sources of comparative material:
with the Middle Ameri-
use of specialists desiring this information.
It
usually
have, where feasible,
following abbreviations
can Research Institute of Tulane University, for the
rial
The
listed in
broken
precise record of each entire or
fragment
shell or
in
we
scope,
significance in terms of votive, ornamental, or
dietary function,
It
larger
headings; these are often descriptive of the particu-
maries below by attempting to distinguish between
have been broken from them or matrices in nearby
names
of
RR
Coe, 1959
Kidder, 1947
Moholy-Nagy, 1963
Moholy-Nagy, manuscript
ProskouriakofT, 1962
Ricketson and Ricketson, 1937
notes
Thompson, 1939
Willey and others, 1965
Annotated Checklist of Marine Species

GASTROPODA
Class:
Modern
FISSURELLIDAE
Family:
distribution:
from
(keyhole limpets)
East coast of the peninsula,
B.H., to
Belize,
Contoy, Q.R., also
Isla
Alacran Reef.
Archaeological occurrence:
Diodora cayenensis (Lamarck)
Modern
Common
distribution:
on the
entire
pe-
riphery of the peninsula from Turneffe Islands,
B.H., to
Laguna de Terminos, Camp.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked, from Cenote
Xlacah, presumably an offering, undated.
mative.
Cittarium pica (Linne)
Modern
from
distribution:
Very common on
Belize, B.H., to Isla Contoy,
on north or west
unworked, not dated (M-MS).
listen
(d'Orbigny)
east coasts,
from
Turneffe Islands, B.H., to Telchac Puerto, Yuc,
and
Alacran Reef.
at
unworked,
in unstratified
TIKAL:
unworked, not dated;
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
unworked, not dated (M,
p.
67).
364,
unworked,
Formative.
2 perforated for
(M MS).
suspension, both Classic
TIKAL,
seen
coasts.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
North and
distribution:
Not
Q.R.
deposit.
Illustration: Plate 21, aa.
Modern
east coast
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Diodora
unworked, For-
Illustration: Plate i,d,dd.
TIKAL:
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
Illustration: Plate i,b.
unworked, Late
Classic
cache (C, pp. 55, 82, as "Livona pica" which
is
this species).
(Gmelin)
Fissurella barbadensis
Illustration: Plate i,a.
Comment: Discarded magpie
Modern
pica) are favored for reoccupation by the hermit
distribution: Restricted to Caribbean coast
of the peninsula,
Isla
from Turneffe
Islands, B.H., to
and are frequently found
of the east coast plantations.
Contoy, Q.R.
locally
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked,
in unstratified
CHICHEN
(J.
TIKAL,
ITZA:
known
as sigua,
is
{Cittarium
in the coconut trees
The
actual sea snail,
eaten extensively by the
raw or cooked
coastal population, either
which
deposit.
Cenote
crab,
shells
as
soup,
delicious.
is
unworked, from Sacred
TURBINIDAE
Ladd, personal communication)
Family:
Astraea caelata (Gmelin)
(star shells)
Illustration: Plate 1, e,ee.
Comment: Limpets
Chichen
and Tikal, not reported elsewhere, including
Itza,
Isla
rare at Dzibilchaltun,
Cancun midden. Therefore they were probably
common on
They may have
not used for food, although
rocky shores
and delicious
been strung
to eat.
through "keyhole" as jewelry. More probably they
were
distribution:
from Turneffe
Common
on Caribbean coast
Islands, B.H., to Isla
and on offshore
Cancun, Q.R.,
atolls.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
collected for pleasure or as a votive offering. If
identification of Dzibilchaltun Fissurella

this
Modern
is
one of the few
shells
is
correct,
not reported from adja-
cent beaches in the archaeological fauna of the
site.
Astraea phoebia Roding [=zA. longispina Lamarck]

Illustration: Plate 1,/,//.
Modern
distribution:
Common
Turneffe Islands, B.H., to
Family:
TROCHIDAE (top shells)
and on offshore
on
Isla
all coasts,
from
Carmen, Camp.,
atolls.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Calliostoma jujubinum (Gmelin)
ISLA
Illustration: Plate i,c,cc.
mative.
4 unworked, For-
MOLLUSCA
Astraea tecta americana (Gmelin)
Nerita tessellata Gmelin
Illustration: Plate i,g.
Illustration: Plate 2,b,b'.
Modern
coasts,
Common
distribution:
from Turneffe
and on offshore
on
east
and north
Islands, B.H., to Sisal,
Yuc,
coast
and the offshore
unworked, For-
tive, a
strange that these
is
beautiful
strikingly
often
Turneffe Islands,
atolls,
Contoy, Q.R.; Alacran Reef and
Isla
DZIBILCHALTUN:
mative.
It
on the Caribbean
Cayo Areas.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Comment:
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
Common
distribution:
B.H., to
atolls.
ISLA
Modern
IN
common and
were not more
shells
widely collected and traded in ancient times.
(?)
unworked, Forma-
damaged specimen with
3 rather
than the
2 parietal teeth usually characterizing this species.
MAYAPAN:
ISLA
See N. julgurans, comment.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
NERITIDAE
Family:
UAXACTUN:
(nerites)
cache (RR,
Nerita julgurans Gmelin

listed in
Illustration: Plate 2,aa,aa'
unworked,
67,^,15; also K, p. 61;
pi.
199,
p.
in late Classic stela
both sources as "Nerita praecognita C. B.
'.
Modern
from
Carmen
Isla
to
Champoton, Camp.; not
collected farther north; absent
on north and
specimen
is
variety of tessellata.
probably the
latter,
which
is
This
common
on the nearby Caribbean shore.
east
Nerita versicolor Gmelin
coasts.
MA YAP AN:
Illustration: Plate 2,d,dd.
?) "several examples," both pierced
and unpierced, probably Decadent period

p.
West Indian
Adams,"
distribution: Southern part of west coast,
387,
44, b,g).
fig.
TIKAL:
(P,
Common
distribution:
on Caribbean
coast
only. Turneffe Islands, B.H., to Isla Contoy, Q.R.
Modern
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
96 unworked, For-
mative.
Comment:
can be seen from the above modern
It
distribution that
if
ProskouriakofT's identification
must be trade
correct, these
pieces
Campeche. Her photographs are

shells,
from southern
of the backs of
and two of the three are very unclear. The
much more like N. tessellata

the much finer spiral cording
third (fig. 44, g) looks

(see below), lacking
which distinguishes julgurans from

are handicapped
in
complete
archaeological
loss
in
identification
this species.
We
by the usually
We
suggest,
specimens are N.
however, that the Mayapan
tessellata,
thus placing their pro-
venience in the same geographical province as the

other molluscan fauna of the
Lamarck
Neritina meleagris
Illustration:
Modern
Sowerby, 1841^1.94.
distribution:
Not
collected
in
peninsular
waters.
SAN
JOSE: 24 unworked, from
S.J.
IV cache
(T,p. 180).
specimens of the
strong color patterns which characterize the various

nerites.
TIKAL:
is
Neritina virginea (Linne)

Illustration: Plate 2,e,ee.
Modern
distribution:
of the peninsula,
Carmen;
site.
also
Common
along entire
littoral
from Turneffe Islands
to Isla
on the offshore
atolls.
Nerita peloronta Linne
DZIBILCHALTIN:
Illustration: Plate 2,c,cc.
MAYAPAN:
Modern
distribution:
and the offshore
Common
atolls only;
on Caribbean
Boca Paila
coast
to Isla
Contoy, Q.R.; Alacran Reef, Cayo Areas.

ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
mative.
unworked, Formative.
Proskouriakoff
mentions
"one
Neritina specimen of unidentified species has a

large
round hole" (P,
p.
387). As virginea
is
the
only species reported from peninsular waters,

is
20 unworked, For-
most probably
SAN
JOSE:
sel, S.J.
it
this.
unworked specimen
IV (Late Early
in cache ves-
period) (T, p. 180).
Marine Species
Comment: The
inland Neritas and Neritinas were
probably collected for votive purposes (surely at
San Jose) or
curiosity.
The
larger nerites
from the
Cancun midden were probably used for food. I am

told they make a very tasty broth. They are abun-
Comment: The
chaltun were probably traded from the Quintana
Roo
coast for votive purposes.
Isla
Cancun may
above high-tide
grow
Numer-
from the water
They
are rare, as are the rocks they
on, along the sandy shelf of the north coast.
ous shore specimens were perforated by the
number
holes of a
of predators. It
is
drill
littorinids
well be intrusive in the
If
limit,
from
midden
zone"
and often climb the distance

midden.
to the present height of the
used for food, they would have been found in
much
greater quantities in the midden.
very difficult
from those made
to distinguish these perforations
The
deposits, as these molluscs live in the "spray
dant along the Caribbean, thus very easy to collect

for food.
Tectarius specimens from Dzibil-
Family:
TURRITELLIDAE
(turret shells)
by the ancients for purposes of suspension.

Petaloconchus irregularis (d'Orbigny)
LITTORINIDAE
Family:
Littorina ziczac
Illustration: Plate 3,.
(periwinkles)
Modern
distribution: Uncertain, as not thoroughly
collected.
(Gmelin)
Reported
at a
number
from
of stations
Belize to Tancah, Q.R.

Illustration: Plate 2 , h, hh.
Modern
distribution: Caribbean coast
at
Absent on
Q.R.
Islands, B.H., to Isla Contoy,
north coast. Collected
from Turneffe
Seybaplaya,
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
mative,
Camp.
possibly
intrusive
4 unworked, For-
on larger
in
shells
Midden.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
Nodilittorina tuberculata
distribution:
Illustration: Plate 3, c,cc.
East coast only.
Tulum
to
Modern
distribution:
All
three coasts,
Mujeres, Q.R., to Chencan,
Cozumel, Q.R.
from
Camp. Also
Isla
at Ala-
cran Reef.
ISLA
shells)
Vermicularia spirata Philippi
(Menke)
Modern
SILIQUARIIDAE (worm
Family:
mative.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
DZIBILCHALTUN:
mative.
tainer,
unworked,
in cache con-
Late Early period. (Lacks tiny coiled
spire,
do most beach specimens. Therefore might
Echininus nodulosus (Pfeiffer)
as
Illustration: Plate 2,g,g'-
also be V. \norri Deshayes, distinguished only
Modern
East
distribution:
coast
only.
Turneffe
TIKAL:
Q.R.
this species.)
"Various fragments, representing about
31 unmodified valves, 19 occurrences" (M,
ISLA
white spire instead of brown as on
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
p. 67,
age not noted.)
PIEDRAS NEGRAS: Found
mative.
by
in
two Early period
caches (C, p. 55).
Tectarius muricatus (Linne)

Illustration: Plate 2,i,i'.
Modern
coast
only.
Q.R.
Turneffe
Also at Ala-
Modern
DZIBILCHALTUN:
ISLA
unworked
4 unworked,
in Florescent
in unstratified deposit.
CANCUN MIDDEN: n
mative.
Planaxis nucleus (Bruguiere)

Illustration: Plate $,b,bb.
cran Reef.
cache.
PLANAXIDAE (planaxis)
Family:
East
distribution:
unworked, For-
distribution: Caribbean coast only. Turneffe
Q.R.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
mative.
unworked, For-
MoLLUSCA
Family:
MODULIDAE (modulus)
Modulus modulus (Linne)
Modern
Illustration: Plate 21, ee.
Modern
distribution:
on
three coasts,
all
Carmen,
Isla
Also found on the offshore
TIKAL:
Family:
unworked (M-MS).
CERITHIIDAE
JOSE:
Common
from Turneffe
on
unworked,
in S.J.
IV cache (T,
180, identified as C. lutosum var. eriense, which
is
probably this species).
inland specimens clearly destined
Cancun midden specimens might

this
entire periphery
CALYPTRAEIDAE
Family:
Carmen, Camp.
(cup-and-saucers,
slipper shells)
DZIBILCHALTUN:
atolls.
purpose.
Illustration: Plate 3, d,dd.
of peninsula,
B.H., to
Islands,
have been discards from collections made for
Cerithium eburneum Bruguiere
distribution:
entire coast
p.
for votive use.
Modern
common on
w.
Comment: The
(ceriths)
Very
pi. 13,
Ciudad Carmen, Camp., and on offshore
SAN
atolls.
Abbott, 1961,
from Turneffe
of peninsula,
Common
from Turneffe Islands, B.H., to
Camp.
Warmke and
distribution:
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
Adams
Cerithium variabile C. B.
Illustration:
IN
unworked among Forunworked from Formamative burial offerings;

tive deposit same structure (605); 1 unworked in
1
Crucibulum auriculum (Gmelin)

Illustration:
crypt of double child burial, Late Early period.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
Modern
Plate 3,/,n.
distribution:
Common
on
entire littoral of
peninsula from Water Cay, B.H., to
Isla
Carmen,
mative.
Camp.
ISLA
Illustration: Plate $,ee.
distribution:
of peninsula,
atolls.
Cerithium floridanum Morch
Modern
Also offshore
Common
on
entire periphery
from Water Cay, B.H.,
to Isla Car-
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative. Possibly intrusive on
some
TIKAL:
p. 67, archeological
22 unmodified (M,
larger shell.
context not noted).
men, Camp.
UAXACTUN:
cache (RR,
ably the
p.
same
199,
unworked from
pi.
Classic
67, e, 16). This
shell listed
is
by Kidder (K,
stela
presump.
61).
Crucibulum spinosum (Sowerby)

Illustration:
Modern
Keen, 1958,
fig.
254.
distribution: Pacific.
Cerithium
liter attum
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
(Born)
cache (C,
Illustration: Plate 3,/.
Modern
distribution:
Common
on offshore
men from
atolls.
on
Isla
east coast,
coast; 1 speci-
p. 55).
Crepidula aculeata (Gmelin)

Illustration: Plate 3,hh.
Modern
Telchac Puerto, Yuc.
distribution:
Common
Q.R., to Isla Carmen,
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, Late Classic
from
Contoy, Q.R. and
Rare on north
unworked, For-
Isla
Contoy,
TIKAL:
mative.
from
Camp.
35 unmodified (M,
p. 67, archaeological
context not noted).
Cerithium maculosum Kiener
Keen, 1958,
Illustration:
Modern
fig.
211.
Crepidula fornicata (Linne)
Illustration: Plate 3,g,gg.
Modern
TIKAL:
unmodified, not dated (M,
p. 67).
distribution:
Common, from
Q.R., to Isla Carmen,
Camp.
Isla
Mujeres,
Marine Species
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked
in cache,
Late
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
1,871 unworked,
Early period, might have been intrusive on large
Formative. (Does not include 1,022 undifferenti-
Strombus included
ated fragments of Strombus
in cache.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
unworked, For-
been either costatus or gigas).
BARTON RAMIE:
mative.
TIKAL:
(M,
8 unmodified
context not noted).
fragments,
presence in caches at Dzibil-
chaltun might have been accidental, the consider-
number found
Tikal would indicate
at
intentional offerings of these unspectacular shells.
STROMBIDAE
UAXACTUN:
distribution: This
is
the
the sandy north-coast beaches.
common
On
conch of
replaced by S. gigas and others.
by
becomes
However,
S. pugilis.
Chinchorro Bank on the
On
Modern
distribution: This
the northwest
periods (see
found
as far south as
and
coast,
east coast.
Isla
Lobos,
Also found
on the offshore
ProskouriakofT (P, pp.
identified as S. gigas.
spires,
384-85)
and 72 "altered
She notes
their use as
"trumpets" and as raw material for a variety of

this
is
commonest
the
heaviest shell at the
site,
as well as the
strong trade with the
Caribbean coast would be implied. However, her

illustrations (figs. 43,
47) show that
rare east of
It also
occurs
is
probably from the nearby- shore.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
493
unworked,
MAYAPAN:
with
"cut
fig.
spire,"
presumably
47, h, not in text).
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
CHICHEN ITZA:
damaged specimen from the

Sacred Cenote, possibly worked (J. Ladd, per1
sonal communication).
BARTON RAMIE:
perforated near columella
for suspension, broad groove cut
507,
SAN
fig.
510,/).
JOSE:
S.J. II"
(T,
from perforation
on body whorl, Classic period (W,
to shoulder
p.
unworked, with burial "perhaps

1
80; this shell
is
illustrated
further described in Richards and
1937,
p.
169,
pi. 6,
and
Boekelman,
no. 7).
UAXACTUN:
Strombus gigas Linne

Illustration: Plate 4,a,aa.
distribution:
unworked fragment, For-
mative.
p.
this shell
Formative.
This
is
the
common
conch
along the Caribbean coast, from Turneflfe Islands

to Isla
It is
Chuburna,
atolls.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
fragments," presumably mostly Decadent period,
Modern
of
at
412 unworked, 74 worked

Table 2). Used as tomb or
10 complete, 9 cut
ISLA
West
Mujeres on the Caribbean.
as Isla
ISLA
S. costatus,
of
Progreso, and has been reported only as far south
Decadent period (P,
As
common conch
the
gradually replaces S. costatus.
artifacts.
artifacts.
is
the northwest and west coasts.
cache offerings, and as materials for jewelry and
all
material,
DZIBILCHALTUN:
lists
RR
re-
MAYAP AN:
199,
Illustration: Plate \,c.
Alacran Reef.
all
p.
the species, perhaps on
pre-
Kidder
68, a).
rarer, largely replaced
it is
Niop, Camp., on the west
from
lists
pi.
Strombus pugilis Linne
it
it
61)
p.
(RR,
Classic
the east coast,
becomes rare from Holbox south, largely
coasts
specimens with body whorl
but gives no further data.
Illustration: Plate \,b.
and west
(W,
"probably gigas" not dated
numerous other unworked fragments,
sumably
(conchs)
Strombus costatus Gmelin
it
are Classic or Postclassic
removed, then pierced below shoulder for suspen-
K,
Modern
TIKAL: 1 unworked
(M-MS).
sion,
Family:
but
all
37 unworked and worked
pp. 526, 528).
Comment: Although
ably larger
which might have
Contoy, Q.R. Unreported on the north and
west coasts; prevalent on offshore
atolls.
"One complete shell was the only

object found under Stela 5, Group B" (RR, p.
199); "a massive pendant made from the [perforated columella] of a large S. pugilis"
201,
pi.
(RR,
p.
69,^,2; archaeological context not noted).
Ricketson suggests that several of the crude Early
10
MOLLUSCA
from the
Classic figurines
were made from
site
the body whorl of this shell.
One unworked
speci-
men, Chicanel, one unworked specimen, Tzakol
(K,p.6i).
Illustration: Plate 5,d,dd.
Modern
ISLA
Common
distribution:
from Turneffe
Isla
coast,
Contoy, Q.R., and
atolls.
on Caribbean coast
CANCUN MIDDEN:
10 unworked, For-
mative.
Islands, B.H., to Isla Contoy, Q.R.,
and the offshore
Unreported from north
atolls.
Cypraea zebra Linne

Illustration: Plate ^,c,cc.
coasts.
Modern
ISLA
on Caribbean
Illustration: Plate <\,d.
and west
Common
distribution:
Strombus raninus Gmelin
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
Cypraea cinerea Gmelin
on offshore
Modern
IN
CANCUN MIDDEN:
57 unworked, For-
Common
distribution:
Turneffe Islands, B.H.,
on
to Isla
east coast
from
Contoy, Q.R. Also
Cayo Areas.
mative.
Comment: The
striking
abundance
all-year
of
conchs on the entire Yucatan coast, especially the
Caribbean
and the offshore
littoral
a plentiful supply of food in return for a

5. gigas
of labor.
with
relish
from
and
British
delightedly by me),
S. costatus are
minimum
eaten
still
CANCUN MIDDEN:
39 unworked, For-
mative.
BARTON RAMIE:
unworked, one Formative
(Barton Creek), one Protoclassic (Floral Park)
(W,pp.
526, 528).
to
Tabasco (and
TIKAL:
spices,
shredded and
netta" the
Honduras
raw with
offered
atolls,
ISLA
unworked, "either zebra or
latter a Pacific species
cervi-
(MMS).
boiled as a broth, or fried in oil as "biftec de concha."
The
smaller S. raninus (which
was obviously eaten
The ponderous
in
have not sampled)
Formative days
at
Cancun.
Comment: It is odd
in so many parts of
that the cowry,
which was used
the world for ornaments or for
were probably stripped of
money, seems
to
their small animals (as they are today) before the
ancient Maya.
The numerous specimens from Can-
shells
meat was shipped inland, leaving the

coastal
middens. In the inland
cities,
form
shells to
which
have been of
cun were probably
little
interest to the
collected as food.
surely
enjoyed the meat, the shells served as the most
OVULIDAE
Family:
important single material in the manufacture of

jewelry and a variety of small artifacts.
Cyphoma gibbosum (Linne)

Illustration: Plate $,b,bb.
Modern
Family:
CYPRAEIDAE
(cowries)
coast,
from Turneffe
Q.R. Also offshore
Cypraea cervus Linne
ISLA
distribution: Rare,
on north
specimen each from Chavihau and
coast only.
Sisal,
One
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked fragment
in
unworked
in For-
worked
i960,
this
outer
lip,
apparently
un-
(illustrated but not identified in Sanders,
fig.
19
with
4, all
b, 14, called
might be C. zebra).
"ornament (?) of
shell";
unworked, For-
2 holes pierced
(Merwin and
5,
on back
Vaillant, 1932, pi.
cache, one
from Early
perforated, four
Classic
from Late Formative (Cauac) tomb
(M-MS, "Cyphoma,
mative deposit.
35,#, not mentioned in text).
TIKAL:
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Q.R.:
atolls.
mative.
for suspension
Formative deposit.
TANCAH,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
HOLMUL:
Yuc.
ISLA
Caribbean
Modern
Uncommon on
distribution:
probably Atlantic," there-
unworked, undated
fore probably this species); 7,
(M MS, "Cyphoma
UAXACTUN:
1,
through wall (K,
sp.,"
with
p. 62).

2
perforations
broken
ii
Marine Species
Morum
NATICIDAE (moon shells)
Family:
tuberculosum (Reeve)
Keen, 1958,
Illustration:
Polinices duplicatus (Say)
Modern
Illustration: Plate 3,/,/.
Modern
Chencan
Southwest coast only, from
distribution:
Carmen.
to Isla
one Formative
and shoul-
1 tinkler, spire
%.
52,).
V tomb
SAN JOSE:
1, in S.J.
Lambidium
tuberculosa
(T, pp. 180-1, "as
morum," which
this
is
species).
Polinices hepaticus (Roding)

Illustration: Plate 3,//.
Comment:
distribution: East coast only,
from Turneffe
Q.R.
Islands, B.H., to Isla Mujeres,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
un worked, For-
mative.
It is
strange to find the Pacific species at
San Jose and Piedras Negras when the almost identical
ISLA
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
(C, pp. 55, 57,
2 pierced for suspension,
(Chuen), one probably Late Classic (M-MS).
Modern
der removed and base perforated, probably Classic
TIKAL:
316.
fig.
was
Atlantic form
both
sites.
into
the
to be obtained so
near to
Separation of highly altered specimens
two
species
precarious.
is
was influenced by
of the Balankanche tinkler
graphic provenience;
might
it
Identification
also
geo-
have been the
Polinices lacteus (Guilding)

Pacific species.
Illustration: Plate 5,\,kk..
Modern
only,
Common
distribution:
on Caribbean
coast
from Turneffe
Q.R. Also the offshore
Illustration: P\ate6,b,bb.
atolls.
Modern
ISLA
Phalium granulatum (Born)
CANCUN MIDDEN:
9 unworked, For-
on
Illustration: Plate
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Camp. Also
at
mative.
Common
from
on
entire periphery
Belize, B.H., to Isla
Aguada,
Alacran Reef.
two with
ITZA:
large
"6,
round
Illustration: Plate 6, a, aa.
distribution:
from
Probably
Decadent
"pierced" specimens (P, p. 387,
CHICHEN
Phalium inflatum (Shaw)
Modern
MAYAPAN:
fig.
period,
44,^).
one of these cut
holes,
Isla
two perforated"
(P,
DZIBILCHALTUN:
what
Uncommon on
Islands, B.H., to
east
coast,
Proskouriakoff
"Phalium
this
is
sp.,"
is
387,
fig.
probably in-
fig.
94,i)
mentioned
illustrates
It is
not
in the text.
Cancun, Q.R.,
on the offshore
atolls.
1 tinkler, spire
and north
coasts
of both these species
and shoulder
perforation at base, age uncertain

p. 54, fig. 55, d).
in that P.
tum,
is
granulatum
relatively
is
much
on
show neither geographical
They
differ
about half the size of
infla-
overlap nor morphological intergrading.
(Andrews, 1969,
is
p.
probably a shell of this genus.
the east
off, drilled
which
Longyear (1952,
Comment: Large samples
cut
(P,
the only north-coast species,
and on west coast (Chencan, Camp.). Also found
BALANKANCHE:
fragment, unworked in
very closely resembled by her illustration.
is
COP AN:
Plate 6, dd, dd'.
from Turnefle
lists
flatum, as
oniscus (Linne)
distribution:
Carmen. Also
Isla
Formative debris.
and
Modern
to
coasts only,
Cayo Areas.
47,f)
Holbox, Q.R.,
MAYAPAN:
CASSIDIDAE
Illustration
North and west
at base,
422, archaeological context not noted).
Morum
6 unworked, For-
6,;';'.
distribution:
of the peninsula
Family:
Mujeres,
east coast only.
ISLA
Natica canrena (Linne)
p.
Isla
mative.
Modern
Cancun and
distribution: Isla
heavier and thicker-shelled,
strongly cancellate rather than spiral sculpture, and
MoLLUSCA IN THE MAYA LoWLANDS
12
in adult specimens has a strong
former varix roughly
MAYAPAN:
opposite the aperture.
together
cist,
Cassis madagascariensis
Warmke and
Illustration:
Modern
Lamarck
to Isla Mujeres,
pi. 1,/.
with
smaller
Corker Cay, B.H.,
Q.R.
perforated
p. 387, fig.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
shells,"
47,).
unworked, For-
mative.
BARTON RAMIE:
TIKAL:
unworked, "from a house mound
Decadent period (P,
Abbott, 1961,
distribution: East coast,
p.
unworked,
Classic
(W,
526).
unworked, "probably madagascarien-
Cymatium parthenopeum (von
(M-MS).
sis" undated
Salis)
Illustration: Plate ~/,c,cc.
Cassis tuberosa (Linne)
Modern
Illustration: Plate 11, a.
Modern
from
distribution: East coast,
from Turneffe
Is-
lands, B.H., to Isla Contoy, Q.R. Also Alacran Reef.
Isla
36 unworked, For-
mative.
JOSE:
1 artifact
osa"
S.J. Ill
(T,
of Cassis, "probably tuber-
to Isla
DZIBILCHALTUN:
three coasts,
all
Carmen.
unworked, from Cenote
probably thrown
in
offering.
as
Not
datable.
ISLA
SAN
Mujeres
on
Xlacah,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
Uncommon
distribution:
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
p. 181, pi. 28,c).
TIKAL: 1, slightly
debris (M-MS).
altered, probably
Late Classic
Cymatium
[=
(Linne)
pileare
martinianum
C.
(d'Orbigny)]
Illustration: Plate ~/,d,dd.
Cypraecassis testiculus (Linne)
Modern
Modern
Islands,
B.H., to Isla Contoy, Q.R. Also Cayo
Areas.
Islands, B.H., to
MAYAPAN:
387).
p.
and
Turneffe
1
specimen,
perfect
un-
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
TONNIDAE (tun shells)
Family:
CYMATIIDAE
unworked, For-
mative.
CANCUN MIDDEN: n
Family:
atolls.
east
worked, in Late Early period deposit.
fragment, unworked, probably
Decadent period (P,
all
Punta Palmar, Yuc.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
ISLA
Uncommon on
north coasts and on the offshore
from Turneffe
East coast,
distribution:
distribution:
Tonna
(tritons)
galea (Linne)
Charonia variegata (Lamarck)
[=
C. tritonis nobilis
and
(Conrad)]
distribution:
Frequent on
Belize to Isla Mujeres.
hau on north
coast.
east coast
single shell
from
from Chavi-
Also found on offshore
Rare on
CANCUN MIDDEN:
coasts,
Alacran Reef.
at
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
7 unworked, For-
unworked, For-
Illustration: Plate 1,e,ee.
Modern
Cymatium jemorale (Linne)
at
distribution:
More common on
distribution: Rare. East coast
Islands, B.H., to Isla Mujeres. El
Chavihau and
to Isla
Sisal
east coast
Contoy. Collected
on north
coast,
and
at
Alacran Reef.
Illustration: Plate J,b,bb.
Alacran Reef.
mative.
from Turneffe Islands
east coast.
and north
Tonna maculosa (Dillwyn)
mative.
Modern
east
atolls.
ISLA
distribution:
Illustration: Plate 7, a.
Modern
Modern
from Turneffe
Cuyo on
north-
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
mative.
4 unworked, For-
Marine Species
13
Comment: Taken
for food
CHICHEN ITZA:
FICIDAE
Family:
me on
unworked, found by
surface in area of Modified Florescent construc-
(fig shells)
tion.
Ficus
communis Roding
Comment:
Illustration: Plate J,g.
Modern
distribution:
Common
on
east coast south
north coast and west coast to
to Isla Mujeres,
Isla
Carmen.
96 unworked; most datable
unworked, presumably Decadent
period (P, p. 387,
47,4, "Ficus papyratia Say,"
fig.
tation
well with
fit
from the western Gulf
its
apparent impor-
coast.
Illustration: Plate 8,b,bb.
Modern
specimens are Formative (see Table 2).
MAYAPAN:
Chichen Itza would
Murex pomum Gmelin
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Location in Modified Florescent area at
The common Murex on
distribution:
peninsular
entire
B.H., to
Isla
periphery;
Turneffe
the
Islands,
Carmen, Camp. Also on offshore
atolls.
which
is
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
this species).
unworked, For-
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked,
in the
Cenote
mative.
Xlacah, probably as an offering. Undatable.
Comment: The frequency
of this very delicate shell
Formative de-
at Dzibilchaltun, particularly in the

posits, suggests that
The
shell
is
it
may have been
so thin that
it
used as food.
could have had no use
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
TIKAL: 1 unworked
cache (M-MS).
Comment:
MURICIDAE
Family:
Murex
dilectus
Alacran Reef. Fairly common.
p.
61).
In 1964 this species was collected and

at
Corker Cay, B.H.
unworked (M,
p. 67,
Modern
Rare on west
distribution:
Celestun,
Yuc,
to
coast
only.
Chencan, Camp.
3
unworked, Tzakol (K,
Illustration: Plate 21, dd.
Can-
cun, north coast, and west coast to Isla Carmen,
TIKAL:
in Early Classic structure
Murex rubidus Baker
distribution: East coast north of Isla
also at
used for food by natives
Adams
A.
Illustration: Plate 8,cc
Modern
(murex)
unworked, For-
mative.
UAXACTUN:
as material for jewelry or other artifacts.
"Murex, prob-
TIKAL: 1 unworked,
(M-MS).
as
"Murex
recurvirostris"
ably florifer Reeve," archaeological context not
Comment: M. rubidus was
noted).
recurvirostris
Comment: Emily Vokes
called to
our peninsular specimens of
all
my
attention that
this
form were
rubidum
of this species.
It
originally
called
F. C. Baker, the local
M.
form
has recently been given specific
status.
the above species, not M.. florifer Reeve, a larger and
much
heavier, although related, form. It
that this beautiful
and
fairly
common
is
strange
shell has
not
appeared in the Yucatan archaeological collections.
Purpura patula (Linne)

Illustration: Plate
Modern
distribution:
from Turneffe
Murex
fulvescens
Sowerby
distribution:
ISLA
fragment of
this
was found by Emily and Harold Vokes

Carmen, Campeche.
It
species
exas.
on Caribbean
coast,
Q.R.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
at Isla
has not been collected
else-
where on the peninsula. Abbott (1954) gives

distribution as "North Carolina to Florida and
1
Common
Illustration: Plate8,a,.
Modern
8,^-.
its
to
Thais deltoidea (Lamarck)

Illustration:
Modern
Isla
Plate 8,//.
distribution: Caribbean coast,
Contoy. Cayo Areas.
Cozumel
to
MoLLUSCA
i4
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
valid species. Proskouriakoff's specimen
ISLA
IN
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
corona).
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
mative.
clearly
is
unworked,
555
Formative.
Thais rustica (Lamarck)
Melongena melongena (Linne)
Modern
Caribbean coast only, from
distribution:
Turnefre Islands, B.H.,
to Isla
Modern
Contoy, Q.R.
Common
distribution:
ISLA
Illustration: Plate 10, a, a'
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
Isla
coasts
all
from
Carmen.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
mative.
on
135 unworked,
but one
all
datable example in Formative deposits (Table 2).
Family:
COLUMBELLIDAE
(dove
ISLA
shells)
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
BARTON RAMIE:
Columbella mercatoria (Linne)

Illustration: Plate 6, e.
Modern
1,
unworked, Classic (W,
pp. 504, 526).
distribution: Entire
littoral
of peninsula,
Carmen. Offshore
Turnefre Islands to Isla
atolls.
TIKAL:
unworked, undated;
four of these Early Classic
UAXACTUN:
5 slightly altered,
(M-MS).
worked, Tzakol, three sawed
DZIBILCHALTUN: i unworked, Formative.

ISLA CANCUN MIDDEN: i unworked, For-
near
mative.
perforation of hollow logs in the
SAN
JOSE:
(T,p.i8o).
TIKAL:
unworked,
Early Classic,
perforated, Classic
IV
in cache vessel, S.J.
perforated,
Comment: Except
the
for
fig.
48).
example from
single
from Tikal which were
of the
"slightly
none of the 925 archaeological specimens

were worked. The whorls are
of this genus
BUCCINIDAE
making
ancient drum, or tun\ul (K, pp. 61, 62,
altered",
Family:
perforated in body whorl
probably intentionally imitating the
orifice,
Uaxactun and the
(M-MS).
form of an
cuts in
so thin
on exceptionally large specimens would
that only
Cantharus auritulus (Link)
the shell be of any use as material.
Illustration: Plate 6,g.
both species were found as offerings at Cenote
distribution: Collected at Isla Mujeres and
Modern
Isla Cancun
only.
the Formative.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
this
in votive caches
The enormous
Isla Cancun
in contrast to
MELONGENIDAE
(crown
conchs,
whelks)
Table 2),
total
its
abundance
a striking
is
usage over time at the
from Boca
Paila, Q.R., to Isla
all
three coasts,
Carmen, Camp.
seven of
known
MAYAPAN:
which
Abbott (1954,
unworked,
all
but
p.
fig.
is
47, s, called
this
from
species.
"M.
I
at
Isla
Uncommon
bispinosa
agree with
234) that bispinosa
is
not a
on
east
and north
Mujeres, Q.R., to Punta Palmar,
Cayo Areas.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked, probably Decadent
period (P, p. 387,

Philippi,"
226
age were Formative.
coasts
distribution:
Yuc, and
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Modern
in
site.
on
Formative (see
example of the change
Illustration: Plate io,, b'
Common
no doubts that
leave
in the
Busycon coarctatum (Sowerby)
distribution:
quantities present at
absence during later deposits,
Melon gena corona (Gmelin)
Modern
during
mollusc was an important source of food.
The almost
mative.
Family:
common
Dzibilchaltun and
ISLA
Xlacah, and are
At Dzibilchaltun
men, found under
unworked
juvenile speci-
of Late
Early period
floor
vaulted building.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
mative.
4 unworked, For-
Marine Species
J5
fragments. These doubtful specimens have been
Busycon contrarium (Conrad)
ler
assigned to the locally
Modern
Mujeres and
from
Contoy.
Isla
Holbox
Isla
and west
to
from
coasts
coast
east
Common
at
Isla
on north coast
Sisal to Isla
Carmen, where
taxonomy
DZIBILCHALTUN:
118
unworked,
largely
Table 2); 9 worked fragments, 8 from Formative and Copo complex
from Formative
(see
was used
it
We
tabulations.
have followed the
of Abbott (1954, p. 236).
Busycon spiratum (Lamarck)

from
where
the above
Modern
Alacran Reef.
deposits,
in
species contrarium
Rarer on northwest
Sisal.
largely replaced by B. perversum. Collected
it is
at
Rare on
distribution:
common
manufacture
in the
distribution:
Common
Mujeres, Q.R., to
Isla
on
all
three coasts,
Carmen, Camp.
Isla
Also at Cayo Areas.

DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked,
12,
in
most
periods (see Table 2); one found in Late Early
period cache.
of jewelry.
MA YAP AN:
unworked
period,
Decadent
probably
specimens,
(P, p. 387,
fig.
47,0, listed as
B. perversus but clearly from photograph
MAYAPAN:
period (P, p. 387,
which
it is
is
fig. 47,/?, as
pyrum Dillwyn,
B.
this species).
this
LABNA:
1,
pierced
near base for suspension,
species).
GRUTA DE OXKINTOK:
posits dated
by Mercer
unworked,
by Brainerd as Florescent (identified
this sin-
dextral. Cf. Mercer, 1896, pp. 47, 53,
18; Hatt
figs. 17,
and
others, 1953, p.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
581
TIKAL:
unworked (M,
this shell); 2 cut
unworked,
lists
"about 105,
sp.,
imma-
tiny,
which may be
fragments, one of which
is
late
(M-MS).
UAXACTUN:
(K,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
illustrated
19 unworked, For-
mative.
NASSARIIDAE (mud
Family:
in).
p. 67, also listed as
unmodified" as Busycon
Classic
X, 18,
pi.
snails)
Nassarius vibex (Say)

perversum; she also

ture,
ISLA
173-74,
Formative.
2
H. Thompson, 1897b,
(E.
var. co-
B. contrarium whereas coarctatum
estral shell is
otherwise unworked, probably Pure Florescent
but not identified).
"Fulgur perversum Linne
as
arctatum Sowerby"; photograph shows
is
in de-
p. 61, as
Modern
all
three coasts,
in Chicanel deposit
perversum).
from Turneffe
on
1,
with single hole for
drilled
suspension, Tepeu; found with lot of
apicinum virgineum and a single Oliva

also
Busycon perversum (Linne)
areas
Islands, B.H., to
Chencan, Camp., and Cayo Areas.
UAXACTUN:
unworked,
swamp
In or near
distribution:
with a single perforation (K,
Prunum
reticularis,
p. 61, as
"Nassa
vibex")
Illustration: Plate <),b,bb.
Modern
distribution:
western north coast
Common
to Isla
from Progreso on
Carmen, Camp.
Family:
FASCIOLARIIDAE
(tulips, horse conchs,
latirus)
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Fasciolaria hunteria (Perry)

Illustration: Plate io,<:,\
Comment:
ferent
B. contrarium and perversum are dif-
species
on the peninsula, the former the
"normal" form, the
latter characterized
by a
much
Modern
distribution: Collected only
of Yucatan, Celestun,
Archaeological occurrence (the following occurrence
modern known
heavier shell and a strong swollen ridge about the
is
middle of the body whorl in semimature
cun was very heavily collected):
to
mature
specimens. This difference cannot be detected in

juveniles,
shell,
and
which
is
are
much commoner
than the adult
often impossible to distinguish in smal-
on north coast
and the Alacran Reef.
outside
ISLA
habitat,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
although Can-
unworked, For-
mative.
UAXACTUN:
The
Ricketsons report one "Fasci-
MOLLUSCA
i6
olaria distans
suspension, in
Lam." with two perforations for

Chultun 3 (RR, pp. 199-200, prob-
may be F.
ably repeated in K, p. 61). This

(see
hunteria
CHICHEN
worked,
ITZA:
captioned
(provenience of
comment below).
Canche"). Dr.
Comment: Regarding
confusion of F. hunteria and
There
related forms, see Hollister, 1957.
nal form, obtained
from shrimp
he opts the F. lilium (F.
hunteria (Perry).
is
obviously closely
Cam-
shrimp
and Abbott. Oddly,
Rehder
F. branhamae
trawlers off
the peninsula are clearly the
our specimens from

Florida
a later-
has been called F.
also
third,
origi-
which
trawlers, for
related form, taken by
peche,
an
Waldheim), and
v.
Florida species which
named
is
hunteria,
species,
Campeche which were
those
including
from
collected in or near shal-
all
low water. F. distans Lamarck
a later
is
synonym
J.
Ladd
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
BARTON RAMIE:
(W,
from Turneffe
Camp. Also
Islands,
TIKAL:
unworked,
Isla
Carmen,
67;
Middle Formative (Chuen), one Early

one undated;
two of these Early
3 slightly altered,
(M MS).
one undated
Classic,
Classic,
with
is
removed,
spire
which
trumpet; identification not
(RR,
it is
pi.
69, c; K, p.
clearly this species.
Latirus ceratus
Modern
37 unworked, mostly For-
may have been drilled for suspension,

may have been natural (see Table 2).
(Wood)
Keen, 1958,
fig.
603.
TIKAL:
but this
MAYAPAN:
period (P, p. 387,
ISLA
p.
period not yet determined); 3 cut fragments, one
Illustration:
mative;
mixed debris
in
34 unmodified, immature (M,
offshore atolls.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
84 unworked, For-
three coasts,
all
to
spire
pp. 526, 528, as Fasciolaria gigantea).
61, both as "Fasciolaria"),
on
its
mative.
Illustration: Plates 10, d,dd; 11b.
B.H.,
which had
of
given, but from photograph
Common
text
(personal communication)
Fasciolaria tulipa (Linne)
distribution:
in
listed
off.
Ricketsons suggest
Modern
correctly
"Chichen Itza and Balam
lot:
from the Sacred Well, one
UAXACTUN:
for F. lilium, not hunteria.
not
un-
two adult specimens were recovered
notes that
cut
and
51, h)
fig.
species,
this
as
specimen,
juvenile
(P,
illustrated
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
IN
47,/).
fig.
Latirus injundibulum (Gmelin)
Modern
CANCUN MIDDEN:
478
unworked.
Formative.
distribution:
Abbott, 1961,
Not
collected
pi. i,i.
on peninsula.
TIKAL:
Pleuroploca gigantea (Kiener)
Warmke and
Illustration:
Family:
TURBINELLIDAE
(chank
shell)
Illustration: Plate 11, d.
Modern
distribution:
Rare on
Common
from Corker Cay, B.H.

west coasts from
Isla
east coast, collected
on north and
Holbox, Q.R.,
to Isla Car-
men. Alacran Reef.
Modern
distribution:
from Turneffe
on offshore
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Turbinella angulata (Solander)

Illustration: Plate 11, e.
25 unworked and 4 cut,
Common
mative (see Table 2);
spire
removed, Proskouriakoff
may
384,
47, , as "Fasciolaria gigantea,'''
fig.
this species),
have been used as trumpet (P,
unworked
"Fasciolaria papulosa",
is
(P, p. 387, listed as
which may have been
species; cf. Abbott, 1954, p.
Decadent period.
which
p.
this
242); both probably
Carmen. Also
through Pure Florescent (see Table 2).

1,
three coasts,
atolls.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
suggests
all
preparatory to some use as jewelry, Formative
MAYAPAN:
on
24 unworked, mostly For1
with spire removed for
use as a trumpet, in Formative cache; 3 other

pieces of
body whorl and columella
partially cut
for use in manufacture.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
96 unworked, For-
mative.
HOLMUL:
2,
one with spire removed, one neatly
cut in half vertically with resultant edges finely
Marine Species
J7
smoothed (Merwin and Vaillant, 1932,

fig.
no date
27, pi. 34,/,;,
BARTON RAMIE:
shell,
which has
"A
87,
hinge portion of a Xancus
ground edges, has
(W,
507,
p.
310,,?).
fig.
forated bivalves,
2,
tain date
(M-MS).
the per-
clearly a mistake.
it is
TIKAL:
among
listed
is
surely, 12 doubtfully this species), Formative.
Oliva porphyria (Linne)

Illustration:
Modern
(K,
pi.
VIII.
p.
61).
family Turbinellidae and the genus
9 unworked, Full Classic; 6 tinklers,
removed, drilled hole
(Longyear, 1952,
TIKAL:
Comment: The
Keen, 1958,
COPAN:
spire
unworked, Tzakol
14 unworked (2
described as trumpets, neither of cer-
UAXACTUN:
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Turbinella [Xancus], being a gastropod, has no

hinge; further, as this
ISLA
listed).
carefully
perforation"
central
p.
p.
no,
bottom, Full Classic
at
109,^).
fig.
8 "uncut tinklers," Early Classic;
"cut
(M-MS).
tinkler," probably Late Classic
Turbinella are published as Xancidae and Xancus.
For changes
in
nomenclature, see Vokes, 19^4-
Ohva
reticularis
Lamarck
Illustration: Plate i2,c,cc.
VASIDAE
Family:
Modern
(vases)
Contoy, and
Isla
Vasum capitellum (Linne)

See comment under V muricatum
.
lected
below.
north and east
TurnefTe Islands, B.H.,
to
Punta
DZIBILCHALTUN:
shoulder fragment, cut
2 sides, unfinished, Late Early period.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
ground
and
flat
TIKAL:
lum," see
unworked (M, p.
comment below).
67, as "V. capitel-
with back-
drilled for suspension, spire not
and
either
"sawed" (four)
Formative (two in burial), one in Cenote Xlacah,

one in unstratified deposit; 3 ornaments made by
sawing off horizontal sections of shell and percache, one in unstratified deposit, one
muricatum, even though
they resemble capitellum.

ological specimens
in
It is
Vasum
followed
(E.
perforation,
apex removed, base with
H. Thompson, 1897b,
unlikely that archae-
GRUTA DE LOLTUN:
which reasons
include the
X,i6,22,23,
pi.
Florescent
tinkler,
with sawed
perforation, spire not removed, period not
(E.
H. Thompson, 1897a,
p.
432)
to a separate family rather-
in assign-
than to the
MA YAP AN:
riod,
73, probably mostly
Decadent
to a
number
Certain of the specimens illustrated (ibid.,
and Simpson
CHICHEN
Q.R., and Punta Palmar, Yuc.
fig.
45)
are surely not reticularis; see O. sayana below.
Illustration: Plate i2,a,aa.
Cancun and
of
which Proskouria-
koff gives a detailed description (P, pp. 38586).
(olive shells)
distribution: Isla
pe-
ranging from unworked through tinklers
specially carved examples, of
Modern
known
10 illustrated but
fig.
with a variety of perforations,
Turbinellidae.
caribaeensis Dall
illus-
not identified).
Keen (1958,
OLIVIDAE
Pure
probably
trated but not identified).
Tikal occurrence above.
We have
sawed
tinklers,
characteristics
some
from the Peten would be of a
separate species, for
from Cenote
Xlacah.
Comment: The Vokes, who have checked our

Vasum species from the peninsula, feel that they are
Ohva
Cenote
removed, Late Early period or Pure Florescent;
LABNA:
Family:
in
forating tip for suspension, one in Pure Florescent
mative.
ing
unworked
or drilled (one) perforation for suspension, three
all
5 tinklers, spire cut off
Palmar, Yuc.
ISLA
coast.
Xlacah, presumably an offering;
n, c.
Modern distribution: Uncommon on
on
Isla Jaina,
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Illustration: Plate
fro'm
on north
Vasum muricatum (Born)
coasts,
Cozumel to
Campeche. Not col-
distribution: East coast, Isla
Isla
Contoy,
ITZA: "77
[sic]. 2
unaltered, 8 with
cut spire; 39 cut horizontally or broken with
slit
perforation near base; 5 with drilled perforation,
MOLLUSCA
i8
6 with two
near spire;
51,^).
species.
perforations, 5 with perforation
slit
carved; 7 others" (P, p. 422,
fig.
The specimen illustrated is surely this

}. Ladd reports 2 additional specimens
from the Sacred Cenote, one with
spire
ground
O.
fied as
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
106
unworked,
TANCAH,
Q.R.:
with
2,
apparently
holes
either say ana or
caribaeensis.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
unworked, For-
mative.
BARTON RAMIE:
2 tinklers,
belong
removed (W, pp. 50708,

"Olivella"). Sev-
than any Olivella, they clearly
genus Oliva, and
to
both with "sawed"
310,/', identified as
309, a;
figs.
eral times larger
Formative.
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
must be
reticularis,
perforation and spires
down.
IN
may
be identified as
drilled at shoulder for suspension (illustrated but
either of the 2 closely related species sayana or
not identified by Sanders, i960,
caribaeensis.
BARTON RAMIE:
for
perforation,
pp.
50708,
much
spire
removed (W,
illustration that these
sayana"; age not
known from
this area.
They
are
22 tinklers, "weathered and probably of various
have spires cut
species"; all
off
and have
a cut
suspension hole near the apex
or drilled
deposits;
illustrated are surely reticularis
131,^,
pi.
some
(RR,
p.
all
of those
201,
fig.
68, b); Kidder reported 9, Tzakol and
Tepeu, "some
presumably, Oliva
surely, others
(K, pp. 63-64,
reticularis"
sherds
67) "Oliva, probably
listed.
Although not reported
illustration
(pi.
Kidder's illustration
68, b)
as such,
left in
and
Ricket-
59
nos.
85,^) are either
(fig.
or O. caribaeensis.
They might be
in
this
the
Pacific O. porphyria.
Oliva spicata (Roding)
Ricketsons report 15 Olivas,
Mamom
but one from
p.
probably the tinkler fourth from
species
IV
(M,
pp. 67, 70).
UAXACTUN:
UAXACTUN:
son's
reticularis";
unworked (M,
S.J.
from
unworked "probably O.
180).
p.
unworked, with
TIKAL:
probably Oliva reticularis.
TIKAL:
(T,
JOSE:
310, ); identified as
larger (as well as differently shaped)
than any Olivella
SAN
309, ;
"Olivella" but clear

are
19,^,15, 16).
pierced by drilled hole
one with
figs.
fig.
fig.
85,^).
Keen, 1958,
Illustration:
Modern
fig.
625.
COP AN:
14 tinklers, spire sawed off and hole
drilled in base,
1952,
p.
from Full
Classic
tomb (Longyear,
no).
Oliva say ana Ravenel

Illustration:
Modern
tun
Comment:
Plate i2,b,bb.
West
Carmen.
distribution:
to Isla
coast only,
from Celes-
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked, one Forma-
n tinklers, with both sawed
one unstratified;
and
drilled perforations, all
with spire removed,
Formative and Early periods or
in
undated de-
tinkler,
Thompson, 1897b,
removed, sawed for
spire
probably
perforation,
pi.
Pure
Florescent
(E.
H.
X,2i, illustrated but not
GRUTA DE LOLTUN:
tinkler
with spire
removed and sawed perforation, period unknown
H. Thompson, 1897a,
fig.
11, illustrated but
not identified).
MAYAPAN:
45).
Some
Used
making me
same
feel
O.
that these are really
species. Distinction
between the
bleached and altered specimens must be
questionable, as
phyria.
must be
Twelve
the distinction of
damaged
of these specimens, tentatively identi-
Cancun specimens, not
definitely
have been included with the
caribaeensis.
differentiation
and the smaller
between these larger species
reticularis,
which
have
sug-
gested on the basis of photos and measurements of
Uaxactun and Mayapan specimens,

O. reticularis
for tinklers (P, p. 385, fig.
Isla
identified as sayana,
The
identified).
(E.
used to define O. sayana and
varieties of the
in
islands of the
shows complete intergradation in the
caribaeensis,
two
from the northern
fragments of both these from the Pacific O. por-
(Table 2).
LABNA:
coast
characteristics
tive,
posits
large collection of fresh specimens of
large olive shells

east
shell.
is
the
Abbott (1954,
reticularis as
is
more
specific.
more globose and much smaller

p.
245-46)
3844 mm., sayana
as
lists
the size of
5166 mm. All
19
Marine Species
our modern specimens
this range, so
within
fall
mm.
mm.
assuming that an Oliva 50

removal of spire (K, fig. 85) or 60
are fairly safe in
long after
complete (P,
p.
385)
one of the larger
is
we
species,
rather than reticularis.
Modern
Plate
from
common on
Very
Turneffe
B.H.,
Islands,
three
all
Isla
to
DZIBILCHALTUN:
14 with apex ground
off
GRUTA DE BALANKANCHE:
off for stringing as beads,
from
a wrist-
pectoral.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Isla
and north
coasts,
from
col-
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Archaeological,
or
unworked, For-
even
when broken
similar species.
beach-worn
or intentionally
The
one of
species nivea, above,
relatively easy to separate because of size
and the
fact that the
similar Jaspidella jaspidea lacks the
marked
on the columella. The
Olivellas, all of
lina,
which
(marginellas)
n,.
One specimen
distribution:
collected
at
apicinum
See P.
vir-
gineum (Joussaume), below.
Prunum apicinum virgineum (Joussaume)

Modern
altered, are extremely difficult to assign to
may
MARGINELLIDAE
Family:
have
lots of
smaller
classified as dealbata,
Common
distribution:
from Turneffe
Camp.
callus
cache
Illustration: Plate 12,^.
mative.
is
slightly
structure
Classic
Plate 12, d.
Olivellas, particularly
Early
67);
p.
Dolores, Yuc.
Comment:
an
in
Illustration: Abbott, 1954, pi.
(Gmelin)
distribution: East
many
altered,
unworked (M,
unworked, For-
lected at Alacran Reef.
the
TIKAL:
Prunum apicinum apicinum (Menke)

1
Cozurhel, Q.R., to Dolores, Yuc. Also
ISLA
Carmen.
Modern
Illustration:
west coast, from Celestun
apex
153,
mative.
Modern
Commoner on
east
(M-MS).
Pure Florescent tomb.
Olivella nivea
Absent on
collected only at Telchac Puerto.

coast.
north coast,
for stringing, offering in Late Early period or
ISLA
(nutmegs)
Uncommon on
distribution:
to Isla
band or
CANCELLARIIDAE
Family:
Modern
Aguada, Camp. Also Cayo Areas.
ground
Johnson, 1964.
Illustration: Plate 6,hh.
i2,e>.
distribution:
coasts,
data on this very rare species see
Cancellaria reticulata (Linne)
Olivella dealbata (Reeve)

Illustration:
Comment: For
three coasts
Isla
Carmen,
DZIBILCHALTUN:
for suspension, all
Early
period
28 unworked, 75 pierced
Formative; 1 pierced in Late
deposit;
pierced
from Cenote
Xlacah.
MAYAPAN:
for
p.
suspension,
386,
fig.
Decadent period
probably
as
listed
44, <i;
and perhaps other
mm.
Menke
in
which were pierced
20, fifteen of
well contain specimens of O. mutica, O. roso-
by color.
all
to
Alacran Reef.
Menke). However, the 7
local species identified largely
on
B.H.,
Islands,
Marginella apicina
illustrated
are about
whereas apicinum apicinum
length,
in this area
(P,
is
at least twice that size; they
are probably the subspecies virgineum.
MITRIDAE
Family:
ISLA
(miters)
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
Mitra florida Gould
SAN
Illustration: Plate 21, b, bb.
181).
Modern
Isla
distribution: Rare, one specimen taken at
Lobos, Chinchorro Banks.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
mative.
unworked, For-
JOSE:
COP AN:
unworked
"About
in S.J. Ill cache (T, p.
handful from
Tomb
1,
aver-
aging 7 mm. long. Each shell has a hole broken

through the back" (Longyear, 1952, p. no, fig.
107, ). Again, this is only half the average size of
apicinum, and
is
probably the present subspecies.
20
MOLLUSCA
TIKAL:
(M,
unmodified, 4 pierced for suspension

67, "Marginella, probably all apicina
3
p.
Menke"; however,
as she cites
ProskouriakofPs
photo, above, and Kidder's photo, below,
it is
most
Ricketsons
cists,
another (RR, pp. 199-200,
185 in two Tepeu caches,
lists
all
6162,
82, b).
fig.
As
from Kidder's
clear
at
pierced (106 in
Olivella;
K, pp.
Mayapan, above,
it
and are probably
Menke
Comment:
common
was apparently not conall
pierced
Dzibilchaltun, the hole was broken,
at
not drilled. Kidder mentions the same at Uaxactun;

this
seems
to be true also at
on peninsula.
collected
Marginellas, in general, are exceedingly
in
Formative deposits
in
Yucatan
altered specimens. Later they occur less
as un-
commonly,
usually perforated for use as beads (see Table 2).
CONIDAE (cones)
Family:
Con us
sidered worth drilling for perforation. In
examples
9> fig s - J > 2
or
this subspecies.
tiny shell
floridanus
Gabb
Illustration: Plate
Comment: This
Not
distribution:
is
illustration that these shells
are half the size of apicinum apicinum

less,
perforated
63,^). Kidder
pi.
with snake vertebrae and
jar
Modern
Couthouy, 1837, P
unworked
64
list
"Marginella apicina" in two

in
Illustration:
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
(Couthouy)
storeria
cf.
TIKAL:
probably this subspecies).
UAXACTUN:
Prunum,
IN
Modern
from
12,^,^.
distribution:
Isla
Common
Mujeres, Q.R., to
three coasts,
Carmen, Camp.
with spire cut
Prunum guttatum (Dillwyn)
Isla
all
Collected at Alacran Reef.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Mayapan.
on
unworked, Formative;
off (unfinished tinkler?),
Forma-
unworked, Pure Florescent.
tive; 1
Modern
distribution:
from Turneffe
Common
on
Islands, B.H., to
peche and on the offshore
three coasts
Conus mus Hwass
Chencan, Cam-
Illustration: Plate
all
Modern
atolls.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
4 unworked, For-
on
Isla
east coast,
from
Contoy. Also Ala-
cran Reef.
mative.
ISLA
Prunum
Common
ISLA
12JJI.
distribution:
labiatum (Valenciennes)
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
Modern
distribution: Moderately
three coasts, Isla
Camp. Also
Cozumel, Q.R.,
common on
to Isla
all
Carmen,
coast
46 unworked, Formative;
with drilled hole near rim, Formative; 4 un-
worked, probably Formative;

Early period;
tinkler, spire
unworked, Late
removed, sawed per-
foration at base. Late Early period or Pure Florescent;
unworked, Pure Florescent.
MAYAPAN:
8, all
Decadent period (P,
p. 386, fig. 44, c, as
"Margi-
ITZA:
Plate 12,7,77.
distribution:
from Belize
Uncommon
to Isla
on
Caribbean
Cancun, Q.R.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
Conus sozoni Bartsch

Illustration: Plate 12,
Modern
but one perforated, probably
nella labiata").
CHICHEN
Illustration:
Modern
the offshore atolls.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Conus regius Gmelin
distribution:
m.
Not
collected
on peninsula.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative. Identification of these eroded specimens

1
perforated (P, p. 422,
fig.
is
uncertain.
51, h).
TIKAL:
perforated,
four of these Formative (Chuen), one probably
Late Classic
(M-MS).
Conus spurius
atlanticus
Clench
Illustration: Plate I2,/,m.
Modern
distribution:
Common
on
all
three coasts,
21
Marine Species
from
Mujeres, Q.R., to
Isla
Carmen, Camp.
Isla
one Late Early period, one probably Decadent

period, two unstratified); 6 worked fragments of
body whorl (three Formative, three Late Early

period), each a triangular pendant, with 2 perforations at top for suspension.
1897^,
Florescent
H. Thompson,
(E.
X,20, illustrated but not identified;
pi.
MA YAP AN:
is
eoffeus (Linne)
Plate
Illustration:
Modern
6,i,ii.
distribution: All three coasts,
at
from Turneffe
Aguada, Camp.
Collected
Cayo Areas.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
unworked, For-
"small conch
lists
trumpets" of Conus with "cut spires" (P,
illustration
Melampus
(coffee beans)
mative.
Proskouriakoff
refers to fig. 47,/
AURICULIDAE
Family:
near base for suspension,
pierced
Pure
probably
much hand-
6 unworked (two Forma-
tive,
1,
clearly fossil, but
in Late Early period deposit.
LABNA:
rubbed specimen obviously kept for some purpose,
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Cenote Xlacah;
and m, but
missing).
is
species.
surely this
p. 3^4>
agree with
SCAPHOPODA
Class:
The
DENTALIIDAE
Family:
(tooth shells)
Proskouriakoff in questioning the use of these
Dentalium texasianum cestum Henderson
small shells as trumpets.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
unworked, For-
Modern
mative.
TIKAL:
1
Illustration:
unmodified (M,
probably
tinkler,
p. 67,
date not listed);
Formative (Cauac);
late
distribution: Collected
by us only on Cayo
Norte, Chincharro Banks. Richards and Boekel-
man (1937)
Monkey
(M-MS).
tinkler, Early Classic
See below.
note
it
has been collected
from
River, B.H.
TEREBRIDAE
Family:
HOK SKUM"
"RIO
(augers)
worked,
Terebra (?) dispar Deshayes
Illustration:
Modern
p.
JOSE:
Comment: Willey
unworked from
S.J.
IV cache (T,
collected in
is
queried by the author,
may
be what
suggest that the specimens
we now know
is
the
common
in these waters, Terebra cinerea (Born),

is
very similar to the exotic dispar
Abbott, 1961,
pi.
16768,
notes 25 beads of Dentalium (not
identified as to species), with a similar
(W,
burial
West Indian species, not

peninsular waters. As the identity is
T. dispar
Thomas Gann
1937, pp.
sea-urchin spines from a Spanish
180).
Comment:
by
un-
collected.
SAN
mound dug
no. 4).
pi. 6,
Not
(near Corozal, B.H.),
(Richards and Boekelman,
None.
distribution:
in burial
pp. 509, 526,
and Boekelman's ideas

Class:
fig.
number
of
Lookout Phase
309,^). Note Richards'
cited above.
PELECYPODA
augur
and which
ARCIDAE
Family:
(Warmke and
Area imbricata Bruguiere
25,^).
[=
A. umbonata La-
marck]
Family:
BULLIDAE
Illustration: Plate i$,a,aa.
(bubbles)
Modern
Bulla occidentalis A.
Adams
distribution:
Also on the offshore
Common
from Water Cay, B.H.,
on
to Isla
all
three coasts,
Carmen, Camp.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
tive,
Common
on the
entire coast
of peninsula, Turneffe Islands to Isla
Modern
distribution:
atolls.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
9 unworked, For-
mative.
4 unworked, one Forma-
two Late Early period (1
Carmen.
in cache),
one in
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
sic
cache (C, p. 55).
unworked,
in Late Clas-
MOLLUSCA
22
Area
Keen, 1958,
Illustration:
Modern
Anadara
Sowerby
pacifica
fig.
Modern
Tzakol (K,
p.
(Roding)
Found on
distribution:
un worked, one Chicanel, one
[=
A. occidentalis Philippi]
Common
distribution:
umbo,
hole below
with broken, not
drilled,
possibly for suspension.
Forma-
tive.
Illustration: Plate i$,b,bb.
on
all coasts,
from
Carmen, Camp. Also on
off-
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
DZIBILCHALTUN:
2
deposits,
mative.
Anadara transversa (Say)
unworked
box of Late Early
in cache
(pairs)
Formative
in
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
6 unworked, For-
Modern
Plate 13, d,dd.
North and west
distribution:
to Isla
MAYAPAN
?), 1
period (P, p. 387,
fig. 46*?, listed as
Area
sp.? in
56 unworked (M,
association not noted).
Some
DZIBILCHALTUN:
hole below
of these,
from
others not datable.
MAYAPAN:
1958,
but clearly from photo
p.
44)-
(RR,
unworked, apparently Forma129; K,
p. 199, fig.
"Area noae Linne,"
p.
61; both listed as
unworked,
in
Late Clas-
caches, one coated with cinnabar on inside
(C, p. 55,
TIKAL:
of A. zebra to
Lunarca
i,gg,gg
distribution: Collected only at Isla
as
Actually,
and speculation
much
like incised
thinking these "were
they are the normal
They aroused our

when we first found them
in the field.
to
north on the peninsula or on other coasts.

BARTON RAMIE:
unworked,
TIKAL:
identity
Anadara grandis (Broderip and Sowerby)

Keen, 1958,
fig.
site
56.
8 unworked, not dated
may
unworked,
re-checked,
cache
Late Classic (Longyear, 1952,
p.
of
Stela
53, as
distribution
is
exist as a rarity
shell at the
if
the above
complete. However, the shell
which we
7,
"Area
specimen, whose
would be the only
the east coast.

in
(W,
(M-MS).
imported from considerable distance
modern
Classic
526).
p.
Comment: The Barton Ramie
Carmen
Camp. These would seem
nearby Zacatal,
Coast distribution, as they are not found farther
ligamental grooves of this species.
grandes").
ovalis (Bruguiere)
the deep scratchings on the
show
industry."
COP AN:
pierced for suspension,
be the southernmost limits of a western Gulf
probably the result of boring sponges and not of
Modern
sp.,"
this species).
Ricketsons illustrated a specimen
They quote Clench
Illustration:
28 unworked,
Illustration: Plate x
Modern
^)-
ligamental area, which do look
curiosity
is
it
not dated (M, p. 66).
and
Comment: The
"Area
64,/, listed as
fig.
Mediterranean species).
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
fig- 5 2
for suspension, For-
4 unworked, one of Decadent period,
period (P, p. 387,
UAXACTUN:
with irregular broken
umbo, probably
probably Late Classic caches (Coe and Broman,
human
Aguada, Camp. Cayo
Areas.
mative;
almost certainly this species.)
TIKAL:
design.
coasts only,
mative.
text, is
Illustration:
Minas de Oro, Yuc,
period.
sic
unworked, For-
atolls.
tive
atolls.
61).
Area zebra Swainson
shore
three coasts of
Aguada, Camp. Also on offshore
Isla
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Modern
all
the peninsula, from Turneffe Islands, B.H., to
2
THE MaYA LOWLANDS
Illustration: Plate I3,<r,cr.
37.
UAXACTUN:
notabilis
IN
Noetia ponderosa (Say)

Illustration: Plate i^,,e,ee.
failed to collect
on
23
Marine Species
Modern
Isla
West
distribution:
Arenas
Campeche
coast,
only,
found
DZIBILCHALTUN:
TIKAL:
strange that Modiolus americanus, by far the
commonest present mussel on
Carmen.
to Isla
It is
the north coast,
is
not
in archaeological context.
22 unworked, not dated (M,
Brachidontes exustus (Linne)
p. 66).
Illustration: Plate i$,b,bb.
GLYCYMERIDAE
Family:
Modern
(bitter sweets)
Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche.

Glycymeris decussata (Linne)
Modern
(Cozumel and Can(Isla Carmen), and the
distribution: East coast
cun Islands), west coast
Not
offshore atolls.
collected
on north
CANCUN MIDDEN:
DZIBILCHALTUN:
19 unworked, For-
Musculus
lateralis
mative.
in
Modern
"probably exustus"
valves,
(Say)
Warmke and
Illustration:
Glycymeris undata (Linne)
unworked specimens
cache offering, Late Early period.
TIKAL: Unworked
(M-MS).
coast.
ISLA
distribution: Collected at scattered sites in
distribution:
Abbott, 1961,
Not
collected
pi.
31, c.
from periphery
of peninsula.
Illustration: Plate 13, h.
Modern
distribution: East coast only. Xcaret to Isla
Mujeres.
TIKAL:
6 unworked (M,
context not stated).
MAYAPAN:
period (P,
pi.
\6,g
pennacea"'
decussata).
pointing
umbo

illustrates a
It
specimen of "G.
(tree oysters)
lacks the posteriorly
and more
of that species,
closely
Isognomon
alatus
(Gmelin)
resembles undata.
ISLA
ISOGNOMONIDAE
Family:
CANCUN MIDDEN:
40 unworked, For-
Modern
sula,
mative.
distribution: All three coasts of the penin-
Carmen,
Isla
Camp.
Comment: Whichever of
Mayapan specimen is one
shells
the
two
species
it
the
is,
of the few archaeological
from Yucatan apparently imported from a
DZIBILCHALTUN:
from Formative
37
strata,
unworked fragments
35 unworked and 33
worked from Late Early period and Pure
considerable distance.
Flores-
cent deposits.
MYTILIDAE
Family:
ISLA
(mussels)
CANCUN MIDDEN:
4 unworked, For-
mative.
Modiolus demissus granosissimus Sowerby
Isognomon radiatus (Anton)
Illustration: Plate i/[,a,aa.
Modern
distribution:
Collected at scattered
always near mangrove swamps, on
and west
east,
sites,
north,
Illustration: Plate i^,d,dd.
Modern
distribution: All three coasts
B.H., to
coasts.
unworked
valves,
For-
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Formative;
mative.
ISLA
Comment: The form
granosissimus can
now
be
Bravo, and probably elsewhere.
the above
and
abundance
also sent to
in the
Merida
offshore atolls.
mangroves
unworked, unknown
2
worked,
date.
unworked, For-
in the
It is
as a delicacy.
unworked and
mative.
Comment:
in
CANCUN MIDDEN:
swamps
behind Progreso (near Dzibilchaltun) and Dzilam
found
Camp. Also
Belize,
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Isla Jaina,
from
eaten locally
which
it
It is difficult,
two
is
or impossible, to separate
species unless the hinge
is
present,
not on most of the small fragments used
24
for mosaic or thoroughly
ler
worked. Most of the smal-
fragments, which might have been either species,
have been tabulated above with the larger
Comment: Boekelman (1935,

detail, all outside area of
were used
Family:
PTERIIDAE (wing
oysters, pearl oysters)
wooden handle),
and
as a source of inferior pearls,
as food.
on the beach
not used by the
Isla
distribution: All three coasts of Yucatan,
Mujeres, Q.R., to
Isla
Aguada, Camp. Also
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked
Maya
as food.
terial for
mosaics, for
Copo
in unstratified
deposit.
that they
were
The many fragments
which they are most
Dolls,
suitable.
in several of the "jewelers' caches" in
Temple
the structures opposite the
unworked,
in
might indicate
Dzibilchaltun were probably brought in as ma-
They occur
deposit. 1
at
there,
Their
common
absence in the Cancun Midden, although

in
lowland Maya. They
as hoes (strapped to a
Pteria colymbus (Roding)
Modern
figs.
13) describes archaeological use of Pinnidae
some
alatus.
25763,
pp.
which usually contained

and
material, obsidian tools,
of the Seven
wide variety of raw
several unfinished
and
finished items of jewelry.
Pinctada radiata (Leach)

Illustration: Plate i/[,e,ee.
Modern
distribution:
All
Family:
three
coasts,
Cozumel
Chencan, Camp. Alacran Reef.
Island, Q.R., to
worked, Late Early period or Pure Florescent;
unworked, from cenote.
MA YAP AN:
period (P, p. 387,
ISLA
fig.
46, d).
Modern
coasts,
at
distribution:
Very common on
from Cozumel
to Isla
all
three
Carmen, Camp. Also
Cayo Areas.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unmodified, from Cenote
Xlacah, not datable.

1
unworked, For-
mative.
TIKAL:
sp.,"
Reports numerous unworked "Plicatula
perhaps
this species
(M MS).
"2 unmodified, 10 fragments, 4 worked
TIKAL:
pieces," not dated
Comment: As with
(M,
p.
Family:
67).
the Isognomonidae, these oys-
ters rapidly lose their attractive surface coloration
when
Lamarck
Plicatula gibbosa
paws)
(kitten's
Illustration: Plate i5,<?.
DZIBILCHALTUN: 4 unworked, Formative; 4

unworked, Late Early period; 1 unworked, 1
1
PLICATULIDAE
dead.
They
were apparently valued for the
highly nacreous undershell, which was useful
for
(scallops)
Pecten laurenti Gmelin

Illustration: Plate 21, c.
Modern
distribution: Collected at Isla
Cancun, Q.R.
ISLA
ornamentation, including mosaics.
PECTINIDAE
CANCUN MIDDEN:
fragment, un-
worked, Formative.
Family:
PINNIDAE
(sea pens)
Lyropecten nodosus (Linne)

Atrina seminuda (Lamarck)
[=
A. rigida (Dill-
Modern
wyn)]
Illustration: Plate i$,a,aa.
Modern
Illustration: Plate i$,d,dd.
distribution:
Mujeres
to Isla
All
distribution:
Usually
three coasts. Collected

three
coasts
from
Isla
Carmen.
Isla
DZIBILCHALTUN:
ken pectoral made of
9 unworked in Formative
adorno
cache.
of this shell in Late Early period offertory caches,
ISLA
worked in Pure Florescent tomb, 3 unworked

from Cenote Xlacah, and 3 others unworked in
mative.
undated debris.
Early Classic
all
Mujeres, Q.R., to
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked fragments and
uncommon on
Isla
Aguada, Camp.
deposits, 11
from
3 fragments, all
1 valve, in
CANCUN MIDDEN:
TIKAL:
Late Early period
6 unworked, For-
unworked, undated;
(M-MS).
from bro-
perforated,
25
Marine Species
Lyropecten subnodosus (Sowerby)
Illustration:
Modern
Keen, 1958,
pierced
made
TIKAL:
from
11, perforated for suspension, ten
an Early Classic burial, one undated
UAXACTUN:
(M MS).
2,
Mujeres, Q.R., to
Isla
Carmen, Camp.,
Areas.
"RIO
HOK
worked
SKUM,"
in burial,
near Corozal, B.H.:
"may be
un-
derived from a
fossil
deposit" (Richards and Boekelman, 1937, p. 166,

pi. 6, no. 2, cited as
of adornos, these often for inclusion in mosaic.
MA YAP AN:
2 beads.
16 whole and broken valves, prob-
P. gibbus exasperatus Dall).
with drilled perforations for suspension; in deposits
identified by Brainerd as Late Early period
or
Pure Florescent (as "Spondylus echinatus"
S.
p.
118,
ISLA
americanus; see Hatt and others,
of the peninsula
to Isla
Common
distribution:
on
all
from the Turneffe
three coasts
Islands, B.H.,
Carmen, Camp. Also Alacran Reef.
CANCUN MIDDEN: in
DZIBILCHALTUN:
wings
with 2 holes drilled on
for suspension, Late Early period; 1
on wings
2 holes crudely broken
with
for suspension,
in unstratified debris. Several very well preserved
unworked, found
fossils,
its,
may have been
Comment: Note
one found
at
in archaeological depos-
Uaxactun and
is
is
the only
the most frequent at

is
nearby shores.
45 worked and unworked,
(W,
528).
p. 526,
unworked (M-MS).
5 pairs,
Keen, 1958,
pi. II.
COP AN:
Frequent in Full Classic tombs and
none worked. Several
stela caches,
which
94, as "S. crassisquama,"
PUSILHA:
SAN
Hermann
unworked,
pairs,
1930,
Modern
coasts
distribution:
Common
from Turneffe
and on the offshore
on
east
and north
Islands, B.H., to Sisal,
Yuc.
483,
p.
fragments,
all
raw materials
unworked
valves
but one (unstratified) found
or
among
in the "jewelers' caches," Late Early
52 worked valves, fragments, or small

artifacts, from all periods, but mostly Late Early
period.
3 valves,
IV, one
undated;
pi.
may
15
Tepeu
XXI,
all
S.J. Ill
in caches,
Tzakol
TIKAL:
burials,
two
in
Tzakol,
and caches; 27 with two
them
one in undated debris (K,
fig. 82,a, as "S.
3 pairs,
as
(T, pp. 18081).
unworked, two
burials
1,
this species.).
unworked,
be
fig.
drilled holes for suspension, twenty-six of
pp. 6162,
11
S.J.
thirteen in
in
atolls.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
JOSE:
UAXACTUN:
Illustration: Plate 15,/,/'.
not this
used containers for "small personal ornaments
are
Spondylus americanus
is
species).
(Gruning,
SPONDYLIDAE (thorny oysters)
no,
other small shells (Longyear, 1952, pp. 42,
"Spondylus," but almost surely
Family:
pairs used as
"jewel boxes" to hold pearls, jade, cinnabar, and
fig.
that the Pacific species
unworked,
Spondylus princeps Broderip
part of the cultural remains.
Tikal, although the very similar Atlantic species
common on
TIKAL:
Modern
periods
all
Illustration:
1953,
pi. 3, fig. 1).
Formative.
from
complete
valve with sawed incision, then finished at 2 ends
BARTON RAMIE:
Aequipecten muscosus (Wood)
Modern
raw material
ACTUN XKYC (CALCEHTOK):
distribution: All three coasts of the penin-
common. Also Cayo
a variety
for beads, etc. (P, p. 385, fig. 44,0).
Illustration: Plate 15, bb.
sula. Isla
and
into beads, carved pendants
ably Decadent, also used widely as
Aequipecten gibbus (Linne)
Modern
Worked fragments were
pendants.
as
BALANKANCHE:
each drilled with 3 holes for
Tzakol burial (K, pp. 6162).
suspension, in
in caches
(see Table 2). Unaltered or slightly altered valves
137.
fig.
where they were very common
period,
crassisquama").
unworked, undated; 148
slightly altered, mostly in burials
follows: 1 Formative (Cauac),
and caches
84 Early
(M MS,
58 Late Classic,
5 uncertain
most of these are
S. princeps").
valves,
as
Classic,
"probably
MOLLUSCA IN THE MAYA LOWLANDS
26
PIEDRAS NEGRAS: 12+

caches;
perforated
and caches;
burials
"jewel boxes"
which
pairs
5556,
Gulf
and
suspension in Classic
several
(C, pp.
a Persian
is
for
in Classic burials
were used
as
cache contained 10, nine of which were
pierced (P, pp. 386-87,
44 ,).
fig.
as
limbatus,
S.
tion;
OSTREIDAE (oysters)
Family:
species).
Ostrea equestris Say
Comment: The
found
Tikal
at
very large amounts of Spondylus
still
and may
are
largely
remain un-
between the Pacific princeps, and the
differentiated
Atlantic americanus, except as noted above.
Of more
Illustration:
Modern
ISLA
1964, more than 2500 were beads (mostly Formative) and over 2400 were "cached fragments"
mative.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
Ostrea jrons Linne
(mostly Early Classic).
Illustration:
Modern
LIMIDAE
Plate i6,c,cc.
Lima lima (Linne)
on
and north
east
from Chapel Cay, B.H.,

Also on offshore
Palmar, Yuc.
Illustration: Plate ^5,gg.
Common
distribution:
coasts only,
to
Punta
atolls.
Only on Caribbean coast

(Turneffe Islands to Isla Mujeres) and on the
Modern
Collected only at Isla Can-
distribution:
cun, Q.R.
than 5200 worked valves and chips collected by
Family:
Plate 16, a.
distribution:
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
offshore atolls.
Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
unworked, For-
Illustration: Plate i6,bb.
Modern
mative.
distribution:
Mujeres, Q.R., to
Lima
scabra (Born)
Modern
from
Isla
Cozumel
Cancun, Q.R. Also Alacran
to Isla
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
juvenile, in
large Strombus.
SAN
(T,
mative.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
JOSE:
p. 180,
unworked
unworked, For-
COROZAL:
(jingle shells)
list
in cache, S.J.
IV
or
specimens illustrated by Richards and
Boekelman, 1937,
ANOMIIDAE
unworked,
mative.
Family:
Late Early period, possibly attached to
cache,
ISLA
Reef.
ISLA
Isla
Carmen, Camp.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
and Xcaret
Isla
from
three coasts,
Plate r^,h,hh.
Illustration:
All
p. 166, pi. 6, no. 6).
Richards and Boekelman (op.
this species
from
a burial
mound
at
"Rio
cit.)
Hok
Skum" near Corozal.
Anomia simplex d'Orbigny

Modern
Mujeres, Q.R., to
Alacran Reef,
three
All
distribution:
Isla
common
coasts,
from
Isla
Carmen, Camp. Rare
at
elsewhere.
19 unworked, from Late
Early period deposits (sixteen in a single votive
unworked
cache),
worked
in
for
in a Florescent deposit, 1 un-
Cenote Xlacah, presumably an offering.
MA YAP AN:
13 specimens,
man
all
but two pierced
goes, the area

is
sometimes with a second smaller perfora-
180) quotes Boekel-
knowledge
between Cabo Catoche and Puerto
not at the present time inhabited by any
type of oyster." But

in the area:
we have
collected four species
Ostrea equestris, O. jrons, Crassostrea
rhizophorae, and C. virginica.
fifth oyster closely
resembling O. permollis Sowerby was taken at Alacran reef.
suspension, usually a single hole near the
center,
p.
as stating that, "so far as present
Castillo
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Comment: Thompson (1939,
Family:
CARDITIDAE
Marine Species
27
Carditamera floridana Conrad
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Illustration: Plate 15,7,/'.
Modern
Isla
distribution:
Common
on
three coasts,
all
Camp.
Mujeres, Q.R., to Isla Carmen,
unworked,
8 in Formative deposits,
umbo for
below umbo for
pierced below
sion as bead, Late Early period;
suspen-
TIKAL:
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
in
Illustration:
Warmke and
from Turneffe
Chavihau, Yuc.
distribution: Collected at
unworked,
in Late Early
Comment: This
may have been
pelecypod
tiny
introduced inadvertently in beach drift inside large
Common
Islands,
pi. 36,;'.
period cache.
Plate i6,d,dd.
distribution:
Abbott, 1961,
Pseudocyrena floridana (Conrad)
Modern
9 unworked, For-
Phacoides radians (Conrad)
Modern
an offering in Cenote Xlacah.
CORBICULIIDAE
Illustration:
in Late Early
mative.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Family:
sus-
suspen-
unworked
probably Decadent period deposit; 2 unworked,

unstratified,
unworked
period or Pure Florescent.
with hole drilled
sion; 1
with 2 perforations near ventral margin for

pension, Formative;
DZIBILCHALTUN:
6 unworked, Formative;
on
all
B.H., to
three coasts
Isla
conchs in the offering.
Carmen,
Coda\ia orbicularis (Linne)
Camp.
Illustration: Plate i6,g.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked,
in
Formative
Modern
distribution:
from Turneffe
deposits.
Common
on
all
three coasts
Islands, B.H., to Isla Jaina,
Camp.
Family:
DIPLODONTIDAE
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Modern
Warmke and Abbott,
1961,
ISLA
pi. 35,/.
distribution: Collected at Dolores, Yuc.
1,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
BARTON RAMIE:
unworked,
in Late Early
tiny shell
may have been
Family:
(lucines)
Modern
Belize to Isla Holbox,
on
east coast
from
CANCUN MIDDEN:
507,
p.
fig.
310,^).
age not given).
p. 66,
distribution:
East
coast
from Turneffe
Q.R. Also
at
Alacran
Reef and Cayo Areas.
and on Alacran Reef.
ISLA
(W,
Chama congregata Conrad
Illustration: Plate i6,e,ee.
Common
suspension,
for
CHAMIDAE (jewel boxes)
Lucina pensylvanica (Linne)
distribution:
pierced
unmodified (M,
Illustration: Plate ij,bb.
Modern
unworked, For-
introduced
inadvertently in beach drift inside a large conch.
LUCINIDAE
hinge downward, margin considerably reduced,
TIKAL:
Family:
Spanish Lookout phase
period cache.
Comment: This
in For-
mative.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked, one
mative deposit, one unstratified.
Diplodonta semiaspera Philippi

Illustration:
unworked, For-
DZIBILCHALTUN:
unworked,
mative.
pair,
single valve,
in Late Early period cache
all
(was prob-
ably attached to large conch in offering).
Phacoides pectinatus (Gmelin)
[=
L. jamaicensis
Comment: As
Lamarc1(\
Modern
distribution:
the peninsula,
Common
ably attached to a large Strombus costatus in the
on
entire littoral of
from Chapel Cay, B.H.,
Carmen, Camp.
Dzibilchaltun specimens were prob-
to
Isla
cache, they almost surely originated
on the nearby
north coast, although the species has not been
corded in modern north coast collections.
re-
MOLLUSCA
28
Chama echinata
Modern
fig.
Illustration: Plate 17,/,/'.
239.
Modern
28 unworked, not dated; 4 slightly

Early
altered,
(M-MS, "Pseudochama
Classic
distribution: All three coasts
Islands to Isla
TIKAL:
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
Pseudochama radians (Lamarck)
Broderip
Keen, 1958,
Illustration:
IN
from Turneffe
Carmen, Camp., and the offshore
atolls.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
echinata"}.
unworked, For-
mative.
Chama
florida
Lamarck
Illustration: Plate i-/,d,dd.
Modern
collected
on north or west
atolls.
Not
Trachycardium egmontianum (Shuttleworth)

This form has not been collected from the penin-
coasts.
sula,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
8 unworked, For-
mative.
where
The
has been collected at 25 stations, from
Isla
latter
from
distribution:
anum from
Common
on the offshore
on
three coasts,
all
is
13 unworked, For-
San
unworked, within cache, "probably

181
this shell illustrated in
Richards and Boekelman, 1937,
COROZAL:
(Burial
mound
excavated by Gann):
have derived from a

pi.
Modern
from
It
Illustration: Plate 18, a, aa.
mative.
Jose III" (T, p.
Tikal. These should be re-examined.
probable that they are actually T. isocardia.
Trachycardium isocardia (Linne)
atolls.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
SAN JOSE:
reports 31 unmodified T. egmonti-
Aguada, Camp. Also
ISLA
Carmen, Camp.
to Isla
Moholy-Nagy
Illustration: Plate ij,a,aa.
replaced by the
is
closely related but distinct species T. isocardia.
macerophylla Gmelin
Modern
almost certainly
it
Cancun, Q.R.,
Chama
(cockleshells)
from Turneffe
and the offshore
Islands to Isla Contoy,
CARDIIDAE
Family:
East coast,
distribution:
at
pi.
Hok Skum"
unworked, which may
fossil
Isla
Common
Cancun, Q.R.,
on
three coasts
all
Carmen, Camp.
to Isla
DZIBILCHALTUN:
58
unworked,
periods (Table 2), fourteen of these
6).
"Rio
distribution:
deposit (ibid., p. 169,
raw materials
all
among
the
one of the Late Early period
"jewelers' caches;" only
two reasonably complete
valves appeared.
MA YAP AN:
6).
in
from
Probably Decadent period,
listed
in collection but not illustrated (P, p. 387).
Chama sarda Reeve

Illustration:
Modern
TIKAL:
distribution:
Common
on
east coast,
neffe Islands, B.H., to Isla Mujeres, Q.R.
offshore atolls. Rare
on north
Trachycardium
Also
coast; collected at
Modern
Mujeres,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
38 unworked, For-
Cancun, and Alacran Reef.
(p.
Chama sinuosa
Broderip
Illustration: Plate x~[,e,e
distribution:
unworked, For-
mative.
UAXACTUN:
mative.
Listed in
RR
(p.
61) as "Cardium magnum."
199) and
No
illustration;
archaeological association not given.

f
.
East
coast
only,
Turneffe
Q.R.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
Trachycardium muricatum (Linne)

Illustration: Plate 18, b,bb.
Modern
mative.
Isla
Rare. Collected only at Isla
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
ISLA
distribution:
(Linne)
west coast.
Modern
magnum
Tur-
Telchac Puerto and Chavihau. Not collected on
ISLA
See T. egmontianum above.
Plate i~?,c,cc.
$0 unworked, For-
from
distribution:
Common
Areas.
on
all
three coasts,
Aguada, Camp.
Cayo
29
Marine Species
Antigona
DZIBILCHALTUN:
18 unworked, in
all
periods
listen
(Gray)
Illustration: Plate i9,tf,.
Modern
"Cardium, unidentified species," probably is T.

muricatum. Probably Decadent period.
ISLA CANCUN MIDDEN: 2 unworked, For-
MAYAPAN:
mative.
unmodified, archaeological context
not given (M, p. 67).
UAXACTUN:
and
entire
under Stela
fied in cache
fragment, unmodi-
A-n
(RR,
1995 K
p.
61 as "Cardium muricatum"}.
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
p.
CANCUN MIDDEN:
atolls.
4 unworked, For-
mative.
Antigona rigida (Dillwyn)
TIKAL:
p.
Contoy, Q.R. Offshore
to Isla
ISLA
from Belize
distribution: Caribbean coast,
except Decadent (Table 2), mostly Formative.

1
valve listed (P, fig. 4 6 >^) as
Illustration: Plate 19, .
Modern
Q.R., and
Cayo Areas.
ISLA
In Late Classic cache (C,
Cancun,
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
55 as "Cardium muricatum").
Mercenaria campechiensis (Gmelin)
Dinocardium
Clench and
vanhyningi
robustum
L. C. Smith
Modern
Modern
distribution:
of east coast to Isla
on north
From
Plate ic>,c,cc.
Illustration:
mon from
Isla
Contoy
at
north
tip
Carmen, Camp. Very common
Camp.
North and west
distribution:
Holbox, Q.R.,
Isla
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Cayo Areas.
suspension
for
on both surfaces with
one perhaps a broken triangular
plete specimens,
pendant, Formative;
Formative, but nevertheless frequent in later de-
Early period.
(Table 2). Surprisingly, only 3 occurrences
of reasonably entire valves of this hardy shell: 1
foundation of undated house-mound;
specimens carefully nested, formed
Cache
1,
of
D. robustum Solander
is
listed
but
almost certainly this subspecies; frequency or
date,
although
listed.
This
Decadent period, not
probably
shell clearly not as
(K,
p. 61,
important as
it
unworked,
was
sula,
distribution: Entire periphery of the penin-
Turneffe
34 unmodified,
perforated
(M,
p. 66,
Carmen,
atolls.
76 unworked, commonest
Formative, 3 perforated for suspension (2 Formative; 1 Late Early period) (Table 2). Found as
offerings in 1
section of Str.
Comment: The Cardiidae
are the
most numerous
family of molluscs at Dzibilchaltun, although almost
never used for jewelry or artifacts and not
and used
Isla
on the north coast.
tomb and
3 caches of Late Early
period. 5 specimens found in mortar of a small
age not noted).
as votive offerings.
to
in
subspecies).
shell
Also found on the offshore
tioned as unidentified Cardium,
probably this
B.H.,
Islands,
Camp. The commonest
DZIBILCHALTUN:
TIKAL:
Chicanel deposit
in
"Venus campechiensis").
at Dzibilchaltun (P, p. 387; her fig. 46, a, capis
partially cut fragment, Late
Chione cancellata (Linne)
Modern
Str. 38, Late Early period.
MAYAPAN:
is
all
UAXACTUN:
in
Cenote Xlacah, presumably an offering; 16 perfect
46 unworked, mostly For-
plex deposits (Table 2); 3 worked, two incom-
red pigment, Formative; 418 unworked, mostly
in
Carmen,
mative but found in Early period and Copo comdrilled
near ventral margin, coated
posits
Isla
com-
DZIBILCHALTUN:
coast.
to
coasts,
Were
common
MAYAPAN:
period (P,
TIKAL:
500 (Formative).
3
fig. 44,/,
not in text).
25 unmodified (M,
p. 66,
age not listed).
these imported in the shell
Anomalocardia cuneimeris (Conrad)
for food?
Family:
VENERIDAE
(venus clams)
Modern
distribution:
Very
common on
entire pe-
MOLLUSCA
3
riphery of peninsula, from
Isla
Water Cay, B.H.,
to
Carmen, Camp.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
9 unworked, eight Forma-
Mentioned
cadent period (P,
sp.,
as found, probably
De-
on the
mentions "8 Anomalo-
unmodified," probably
not
this species,
Holbox, Q.R.,
Modern
Isla
Cancun, Q.R., on
Abbott, 1961,
pi.
39,^.
east coast; only at
and
Chavihau,
coast.
11 unworked, in Forma-
Early period and Florescent deposits, two as
tive,
offerings in Cenote Xlacah; 1 Late Early period
DZIBILCHALTUN:
with
altered
Formative
drilled
holes
for
MAYAPAN:
Proskouriakofr
and concentrica,
both elegans
lists
illustrating only one,
captioned D. concentrica.
As
which
is
concentrica has not
been collected on the peninsula and the very simi-
lar
4 valves, unworked, in Late
Early period cache.
Comment: These
Aguada, Camp.
suspension.
distribution: Collected at Isla Mujeres
Yuc, on north
to Isla
considerably
Warmke and
Contoy
on north and west
with single hole for suspension,
Transennella cubaniana (d'Orbigny)

Illustration:
Common
east coast.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
(M-MS).
dated
coasts, Isla
387).
p.
TIKAL: Moholy-Nagy
cardia
Dosinia elegans (Conrad)
Modern
one Pure Florescent.
MA YAP AN:
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
tive,
IN
but
the nearby coast,
might have been
included inadvertently in beach drift inside large
conchs in cache.
and
fig.
quite
is
as the local
when this
made, both specimens may be
been
tiny pelecypods
elegans
less inflated
established
common on
form had not
was
identification
elegans (P, p. 387,
46,c).
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
unworked, For-
mative.
TIKAL:
Macrocallista maculata (Linne)
See under D. discus above.
Illustration: Plate *9,g,gg-
Modern
Common
distribution:
from
Isla
Mujeres, Q.R., to
on
Isla
all
three coasts,
Carmen, Camp.
Also at Cayo Areas.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
in unstratified
umbo
Decadent period (P,
for suspension, probably
fig.
not in text).
On
distribution:
east coast, collected only
on Water, Corker, and Chapel Cays, B.H.
common on
with sawed hole below
2,
(tellins)
Tellina lineata Turton
Modern
unworked,
deposits.
44,;',
TELLINIDAE
MAYAPAN:
Family:
Very
north and west coasts, from
Holbox, Q.R.,
to
Isla
Carmen, Camp. Also
Isla
at
Cayo Areas.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Dosinia concentrica (Born)
unworked,
in
Formative
deposit.
None.
Illustration:
Modern
distribution:
Not
collected
MAYAPAN:
on peninsula.
period (P, p. 387).
MAYAPAN:
See discussion of D. elegans below.
Tellina listen
Roding
Illustration: Plate 20, , b'
Dosinia discus (Reeve)
Modern
Modern
None.
Illustration:
Not
collected
on the peninsula.
1
as the very similar
and
Tikal specimen
coast,
D. elegans
this shell
has
is
abundant on
Q.R.
Also
off-
atolls.
be the latter species.
ISLA
CANCUN MIDDEN:
mative.
all
at three archaeological sites, the
may
shore
from TurnefTe
unworked (M-MS). As
not been collected from peninsular waters, where-
three coasts
East
Islands, B.H., to Puerto Juarez,
distribution:
TIKAL:
distribution:
Tellina radiata Linne

Illustration:
Plate 20, a, aa.
18 unworked, For-
Marine Species
Modern
bean
distribution:
coast,
from Turneffe
Contoy, Q.R.
common on
Fairly
Carib-
Also on offshore
atolls.
Absent on
Turneffe Islands, B.H.,
Punta Palmar, Yuc.
Alacran Reef.
TIKAL:
north and west coasts.
to
unmodified (M,
p. 66,
not dated).
CANCUN MIDDEN:
ISLA
ioo
unworked,
MACTRIDAE
Family:
(surf clams)
Formative.
Mulinia
Modern
Modern
Plate 20, d,dd.
from Turneffe
lands, B.H., to Isla Contoy, Q.R.
from north
Yuc,
coast.
West
to Isla Jaina,
coast
Not
Is-
collected
from Punta Palmar,
Camp. Also
and
On
west coast, collected only
north as Seybaplaya,
Camp. Absent on north
east coasts.
TIKAL:
"about 42," unworked (M,
Family:
CANCUN MIDDEN:
GASTROCHAENIDAE
unworked, ForGastrochaena hians (Gmelin)
mative.
Illustration:
Comment: One
of the
no age
p. 67,
fragment, in Formative
deposit.
ISLA
as far
distribution:
listed).
DZIBILCHALTUN:
(Say)
Illustration: Plate 20, //,//'.
Arcopagia fausta (Pulteney)

Illustration:
lateralis
few
shells
from Dzbilichaltun
not found on nearby beaches.
Warmke and
(=
Rocellaria hians)
Abbott, 1961,
pi.
Modern distribution: Collected at Telchac

Yuc, in coral thrown on beach.
44,^.
Puerto,
Apolymetis
MAYAPAN:
intastriata (Say)
Illustration: Plate 20,<5r.
Modern
distribution: East
Unworked, reported by Proskouria-
koff as "Rocellaria sp." (P, p. 387). This
and north
coasts,
from
only species of this genus
known
is
the
in these waters.
Annotated Checklist of Freshwater Species

GASTROPODA
Family: AMPULLARIIDAE
Class:
Pomacea
flagellata arata (Crosse
and Fischer)
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Xlacah, where
in all levels of
it is
ish
fig. 309,?-,
TIKAL:
p. 68).
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
This species
fill.
mud
(W,
Listed as present; archaeo-
logical association not described (C, p. 55).
Cenote
in
6 Span-
deposits, the other
Protoclassic
"Pomacea
1
Late
45, unworked, about 39 of
from Formative
Lookout phase,
in
not found alive today.
BARTON RAMIE:
these
(M,
unworked, one
one in Formative
common
very
is
available
unworked, archaeological context not
Illustration: none.
fill,
Pachychilus indiorum (Morelet)
Illustration: Plate 21, h.
Early period
TIKAL:
Pachychilus
lar gillierti (Philippi)
Illustration:
Willey and others, 1965,
fig. 309,^,/.
BARTON RAMIE:
pp. 52627,
557 unworked, from various

periods, but heavily concentrated in the Formative
flagellata Say").
cut fragment, Late Classic debris; 5
phases
(W,
pp. 52627, fig. 309,5-,?).
perforated, one in Early Classic cache, one in Early

Classic burial, one in Late Classic burial,
Late Classic debris. 189 unworked were

1964,
archaeological
two
Comment: Moholy-Nagy (M MS)
in
listed to
cal context
(M-MS).
at
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
sic
unworked
"Hemisinus
cation of one
not yet available
context
in Late Clas-
notes identifi-
sp." at Tikal, archaeologi-
not yet available. She also collected one
Tayasal on Lake Flores, and informs
local
name
is
jute, the
popular
name
me
for
that the
Pomacea.
cache (C, p. 55).
PELECYPODA
Family: UNIONIDAE
Class:
Comment: The
Dzibilchaltun specimens have been
identified as subspecies arata
mens from
the four other
by Alan Solem. Speci-
were
sites
Nephronaias goascoranensis (Lea)
published
all
Illustration:
as P. flagellata Say.
Richards and Boekelman, 1937,
pi.
6,q.
SAN
Pomacea
flagellata ghiesbrechti
Illustration:
Coe, 1959,
fig.
(Reeve)
II
52, g.
JOSE:
unworked,
in burial, probably S.J.
(T, p. 180; see also Richards and Boekelman,
937, P- 169,
pi.
69).
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
Classic caches;
with
Classic cache (C, pp.
Family:
Nephronaias ortmanni (Frierson)
Various unworked in Late

2 large drilled holes in
5556,
fig.
Illustration:
Late
fig.
309,^.
52,^).
BARTON RAMIE:
unworked, 4 perforated
for
suspension, in 2 Spanish Lookout phase burials;
THIARIDAE
758
Pachychilus glaphyrus (Morelet)
Illustration:
others, all
unworked, from various periods
but mostly in Preclassic contexts

fig.
507, 526-27,
309,^,2/.
fig.
(W,
pp. 504,
309, l-n).
BARTON RAMIE:
248 unworked, from
Nephronaias
(W,
pp. 52627,
yzabalensis (Crosse and Fischer)
Illustration: Fischer
ous periods, heavily concentrated in the Formative

phases
cf.
vari-
4; A,a;
fig. 309,^,*/).
and Crosse, 1894,
pi.
44;
figs.
SAN
in
1
Modern
distributions are not given here as they are not
enough known to reflect trade practices. Most

water molluscs were probably collected locally.
accurately
JOSE:
tombs of
others, bored
10,
with bored holes for suspension,
S.J. Ill,
IV, V, and possibly
fresh-
excavations (T, p. 180).
32
S.J. I;
and unbored, found elsewhere
in
Freshwater Species
33
Psoronaias quadratus (Simpson)

Illustration:
Coe, 1959,
fig.
in Late
sic
burial
(C, p. 55,
quadrata," which
is
MAYAPAN:
unworked
fig.
52,^),
unworked, Late Early
period.
52,^.
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
Formative tomb;
in Late Clasas
pierced, probably
1,
riod (P, p. 387,
fig.
Decadent pe-
44,^).
"Quadrula
this species).
Comment:
listed
Unclassified freshwater clams have been
from Uaxactun by the Ricketsons (RR,
Psoronaias semigranosus (v. d. Bush)
199) and by Kidder (p. 61). Moholy-Nagy
Illustration: Plate 21, g.
slightly altered (usually pierced)
including five paired valves, and a smaller
DZIBILCHALTUN:
4,
pierced for suspension,
of
unworked
valves
(M MS).
lists
p.
61
Unionidae clams,
number
Annotated Checklist of Land Species
Land mollusca
present problems separate from
those of their marine or freshwater cousins in that
they form an almost ever-present normal

of the materials used for construction
Once favored
architecture.
component
fill
Workers
with
human
them
as
human
are
artifacts,
To
47, w).
Phalium
is
a purely
Phalium
marine genus,
see
no reason
to believe that the
land species
CANCUN: A
number
of species of small
land molluscs were found in the deeply sealed parts
these intruders
attractive.
fig.
ISLA
enormous num-
to retain
most
387,
of a
shells
were of other than natural occurrence,
of the midden, but they were only those
artifacts collected in excavations, par-
some
ticularly as
wont
are
and Oleacina, which may be intrusive" (P,
We
open rubble have been established, they migrate
bers.
species
"also
and could be intrusive only through human agency,
living conditions such as
into these artificial environments in
and
p.
Maya
in
unworked
hole),
would have been expected
establish
one must demonstrate their
its
to inhabit the site
during
brief occupation.
TIKAL: Moholy-Nagy's
provenience in a completely sealed receptacle, show
which
preliminary notes
list
were intentionally altered by human
effort,
perforated "Orthalicus princeps" in Late Formative
or prove that they were amassed in quantities
which
(Chuen)
that they
Maya
lowlands.
We
have
She
also
lists
the following un-
worked molluscs, on which archaeological context
could not have occurred in nature. This has rarely
been possible in the
debris.
is
little
not yet available:
reason to believe that land molluscs (in contrast to

Aplexaelata (Gould) (1)
freshwater genera such as Pomacea) were ever an

r
,-r
Euglandina
important
source of food, lodav
they are not eaten.
r
J
Peninsular species were and are so thin-shelled that
as pendants.
Any
if
perforated
for
we
PIEDRAS NEGRAS: Coe
have been reported
number
of land mol-
single Late
Classic
lists
6 land
snails in
K-5-5, Euglandina
Choanopoma radiosum
cache,
decussata (Deshayes) and
in archaeological publicain this checklist
(Morelet), but does not state whether or not the
them, in the customary geographic
cache was found in condition which would disallow
For the sake of completeness
briefly list
intrusion.
order.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
tions
(numerous)
,
N
(numerous)
sp.
usage would probably have been
Despite these strictures, a
tions.
sp.
Neocyclotus dysoni (Pfeiffer) (30)

Orthalicus princeps (Broderip) (30)
use
symbolic.
luscs
Neocyclotus (fragment')
they would have been of no use as raw material and
most ephemeral ornaments
,.
nelictna
Although
all
BARTON RAMIE:
our excava-
the Belize Valley
were heavily peppered with land molluscs,
including tombs and

caches,
no
all
Willey
lists
3 species
from
sites:
but the most tightly sealed
evidence
,.._,.
any was obtained. The
clear
Euglandina carminensis (Morelet) (7)

Bulimulus sp. (100)
of archaeological use of
largest,
most
attractive,
and
Neocyclotus dysom (Pfeiffer) (12)
thickly shelled of these, Orthalicus princeps prin-
ceps (Broderip), was frequently encountered, but
All were unworked.
never with evidence of intentional alteration.
is
common
It is
arboreal species.
MAYAPAN:
found
in
He
notes that the Bulimulus
various periods, but
is
concentrated in the Formative phases
Proskouriakoff reports 2 specimens
very heavily
possible
evi-
dence that the specimens are not intrusive (W, pp.
of Orthalicus princeps (one pierced by an irregular
52627).
34
Discussion
on what forms are available along any particular
sandbar separates the swamp from the Gulf of Mexusually extending out as a sandy floor to the
edge of the Campeche Bank. All coastal settlements
are situated on this sandbar. Water along the shore,
beach or coast and, particularly in the significant
in strong contrast to
Ecology
Collection of molluscs by
lection for food, in
ico,
humans must depend
what quantity they
Zone I, is usually murky, either

from cienaga mud, or the fine calcareous sand. Accumulations of seaweed are common on the beach.
col-
are present.
Some species are found virtually everywhere; others

demand rather specific environmental conditions
and are therefore of more
Because of the shallow gradient, wave disturbance is

much less severe than on the Caribbean coast.
Zone IV, West Coast Province, from Punta
Palmar to Isla Carmen and the Laguna de Terminos, Campeche. This coast again is bordered by
the Campeche Bank, and the consequent shallow
gradient found on the north coast. It is a lee shore,
protected by the peninsula from the prevailing
restricted distribution. In
archaeological shell, these distributions can often
and must be
carefully
when attempting
to reach
define original proveniences,
taken into consideration
any conclusions regarding early trade relationships.
The
coast of the
Yucatan Peninsula
falls
into
northeast trade winds and lacking the strong eastwest current traversing the north coast. Perhaps
because of its protected position, sandy beaches are
several quite distinct ecological provinces (fig. 2).
Caribbean Province, comprising the mainland coast and nearby offshore islands of Quintana
Roo, Mexico, and British Honduras. Both coast and
Zone
I,
much
are
islands are largely a coral-reef formation, character-
the shore and inside the islands,
is
large sections of the coast
formed of mangrove swamp.
It will
ized by alternating sandy and rocky shores dropping

off sharply to very deep waters. Water, even near
common, and
less
much
be seen that the north and west coasts are

sharply differentiated from each other
less
than they are from the Caribbean Province and the
ordinarily clear
A number
atolls.
of the faunal changes (e.g., Strom-
and clean all year. With offshore winds, which prevail most of the year, waves are frequently very
large, and their effects on the shallow-water fauna
perversum) begin well
very violent.
Much
Zone II, Offshore Atolls, Alacran Reef to Cayo

Areas. Along the edge of the Campeche Bank, where
well be extensions of the western gulf fauna onto
it
drops off into deep water, there
reefs, usually in the
form
form of
is
atolls,
a separate ecological province.
bus costatus to pugilis or Busy con contrarium
to
The fauna
in-
ralis,
mined
Lunarca
might well be wiser
ovalis). It
have not done so because of our
in precise provenience)
Caribbean coast and absent on the Campeche Bank,

but also others characteristic of the sandy shelf whose
outer edge they inhabit. Although numerous, the
principal atolls are the so-called Alacran and Triangulos Reefs, Isla Arena, and Cayo Areas, only the
first and last of which have been collected by us.
(For more detailed description of the geology and
ecology of these fringe atolls, see Kornicker and
others, 1959; Rice and Kornicker, 1962, 1965.)
Zone III, North Coastal Province, from Isla Holbox, Q.R., to Punta Palmar, Yucatan. This is the
final extension of the Campeche Bank, which slopes
very gradually from the shore to a depth of 25
fathoms at about 100 miles, then drops sharply into
deeper water. Virtually the entire north coast is
bordered by a brackish-water swamp of mud and
{la cienagd) extensively
from the west coast may
distinctive material
though
cludes not only most of the species present on the
mangroves
Punta Palmar.
to the east of
the peninsula (e.g., Nerita fulgurans, Mulinia late-
a series of coral
which seem
to
to
(al-
interest
suggest only the deep,
clear-water reef environment as one ecological province (calling Zones
and
II
above
and la) and
the deeply contrasting shallow, turgid waters of the
Campeche Bank
IV above II and
are,
of course,
Ila).
The
Zones
III
and
faunal changes involved
more marked
in the
much
larger
of present-day Mollusca than they are
collection
in the
as a second (calling
few
found
in archaeological
specifies archaeological
provenience and
selected species
deposits.
Table
known
present-day distribution of the species listed
in the checklist, to facilitate discussion in the next

section. It
for salt,
the
both before and after the Spanish conquest. Except

for a broken area between Dzilam Bravo and the
mouth of Rio Lagartos at San Felipe, a low narrow
should be re-emphasized
modern
distributions are solely those of our
collecting in the area
incomplete.
35
at this point that
and
at times
may
own
often be
Fig. 2
Ecological provinces of the Yucatan
Campeche Bank;
III,
The North
Coast; IV,
littoral. I,
The West
The Caribbean
Coast.
36
Coast;
II,
The
offshore atolls bordering the
Discussion
37
Table
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
OCCURRENCE AND MODERN DISTRIBUTION

OF MOLLUSCS FOUND AT LOWLAND MAYA SITES
Modern Distribution
Archaeological
Occurrence*
Species
Zone
Zone
II
Zone
III
Zone IV
MARINE GASTROPODS
Diodora cayenensis
Diodora listeri
D,T
T
D, C,
I
Cittarium pica
D,
Calliostoma jujubinum
Astraea caelata
Astraea phoebia
Astraea tecta americana
I,
P,
M(?),T
I
Nerita tessellata
D,I,M(?)
I,T
Neritina meleagris
Neritina virginea
D, M,
Littorina ziczac
I
I
Echininus nodulosus
D,I
Tectarius muricatus
Petaloconchus irregularis
Vermicularia spirata
D,T,P
Planaxis nucleus
Modulus modulus
Cerithium eburneum
Cerithium floridanum
X
X
S(?)
Crepidula aculeata
Crepidula fornicata
D,I,T
Strombus costatus
Strombus gigas
Strombus pugilis
I,U,T(?),B
D, M, C, I, S,
Strombus raninus
Cypraea cervus
D, I,Tancah(?)
B,
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I,T(?),B
I,H,U,T(?)
T
I
Polinices lacteus
Natica canrena
M, C
Morum
Morum
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
~
C
CN =
H
D
I
== Balankanche
Chichen Itza
Copan
=z Piedras Negras
Dzibilchaltun
Cancun Midden
Holmul
zz Uaxactun
Isla
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
(Pacific)
D, M, CN(?)
Barton Ramie
X
X
to symbols;
X
X
X
X
X
X
S,P
tuberculosum
Phalium granulatum
Phalium inflatum
Polinices hepaticus
(Pacific)
D,M,I
Polinices duplicatus
X
X
(Pacific)
I,T
P
*Key
X
X
X
X
X
Cerithium variabile
oniscus
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Crucibulum auriculum
Crucibulum spinosum
Cyphoma gibbosum
X
X
X
X
X
X
D,I
Cypraea cinerea
Cypraea zebra
X
X
(not collected)
S,
Cerithium literattum
Cerithium maculosum
Nerita fulgurans
Nerita peloronta
Nerita versicolor
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mayapan
San Jose
Tikal
MOLLUSCA
38
Archaeological
Occurrence*
Species
Cassis madagascariensis
Cassis tuberosa
I,
Cypraecassis testiculus
M,
Charonia variegata
Cymatium femorale
Cymatium parthenopeum
Cymatium pileare
Tonna galea
Tonna maculosa
Ficus communis
Murex dilectus
Murex fulvescens
Murex pomum
Murex rubidus
M, I, B
D,I
D,I
T
C
D.I.T.U
D,M,I
I
I
Thais rustica
Columbella mercatoria
Cantharus auritulus
Melongena corona
D,
Melongena melongena
Busycon coarctatum
Busycon contrarium
Busycon perversum
Busycon spiratum
D,
Fasciolaria tulipa
Pleuroploca gigantea
I,
S,
X
X
X
X
X
X
D,M,I
I,
X
X
U, T, B
D,I
D, M,
I,
T, U, Oxkintok
Zone
II
Zone
X
X
X
X
I,
Labna
X
X
I,U(?)
D, M,I
D, M, C,
X
X
D, M,
I,
B, T,
Latirus infundibulum
Turbinella angulata
D,I,B,H,T,U
Vasum capitellum
Vasum muricatum
(see text)
D,I,T
Oliva caribaeensis
III
Zone
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
T
T
Latirus ceratus
Purpura patula
Fasciolaria hunteria
Thais deltoidea
Nassarius vibex
MAYA LOWLANDS
Modern Distribution
Zone
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S,
IN THE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
(Pacific)
(not collected)
not collected)
X
X
X
X
Oliva porphyria
CN,
Oliva reticularis
D, M, C,
(Pacific)
I,
B, T, U, Labna,
Loltun, Tancah
D, M, I, B,
Loltun
Oliva sayana
Oliva spicata
CN
(Pacific)
Olivella dealbata
Olivella nivea
Mitra florida
Cancellaria reticulata
Prunum apicinum apicinum

Prunum apicinum virgineum
Prunum guttatum
Prunum labiatum
Prunum cf. storeria
(see text)
Conus
Conus
Conus
Conus
Conus
U, T,
D, M, C,
floridanus
mus
regius
sozoni
spurius atlanticus
D, M,
S(?)
Terebra dispar (?)
I,
CN
T
D
T, U, Labna,
X
X
X
D,K,I
D, M,
S,
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
T, Labna
X
X
B(?),Corozal
SCAPHOPODS
cestum
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
(not collected)
I,
t.
X
X
(not collected)
Bulla occidentalis
Dentalium
X
X
X
Melampus
coffeus
not collected)
X
X
X
X
Discussion
39
Archaeological
Species
Occurrence*
Mode rn Distribution
Zone
Zone
II
Zone
III
Zone IV
MARINE PELECYPODS
Area imbricata
Area pacifica
LP
U
Area zebra
Anadara grandis
D, M,
X
I,
T, U, P
D,
Glycymeris decussata
Glycymeris undata
M,
Modiolus
X
X
D,T
T
D,I
D,I
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Musculus
lateralis
Pteria
alatus
radiatus
colymbus
D,I
X
I
D
D
I,
Plicatula gibbosa
D,T(?)
Pecten laurenti
Lyropecten nodosus
D,I,T
Lyropecten subnodosus
U,
Corozal
D, M, K,
Spondylus princeps
CN,
I,
B, T,
S, Pusilha,
Lima lima
Lima scabra
Anomia simplex
Ostrea equestris
Ostrea frons
Crassostrea virginica
D,
I,
Carditamera floridana
D,
Pseudocyrena floridana
Diplodonta semiaspera
D
D
Lucina pensylvanica
Phacoides pectinatus
D,I
Phacoides radians
D,
M
S,
Codakia orbicularis
D,
Chama congregata
Chama echinata
Chama florida
Chama macerophylla
Chama sarda
Chama sinuosa
Pseudochama radians
Trachycardium egmontianum
T(?)
B,
I,
Corozal
I,
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Actun Xkyc
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
U, T, P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
(Pacific)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
(Pacific)
S,
Corozal
{not collected)
D,M,T(?)
i,u
X
X
X
X
X
Trachycardium muricatum
D, M,I, T, U, P
D, M,
listeri
X
X
X
X
X
T
I
Dinocardium
Antigona
X
X
(Pacific)
Aequipecten muscosus
vanhyningi
X
X
Aequipecten gibbus
r.
X
X
{not collected)
D, M,
magnum
Atrina seminuda
Trachycardium
T,B(!)
Pinctada radiata
Trachycardium isocardia
(Pacific)
Noetia ponderosa
Isognomon
Isognomon
CN
D,M, T
d. granosissimus
X
(Pacific)
Anadara notabilis
Anadara transversa
Lunarca ovalis
Brachidontes exustus
Antigona rigida
Mercenaria campechiensis
P,u
Chione cancellata
D,M, T
Anomalocardia cuneimeris
D, M,
Transennella cubaniana
Macrocallista maculata
D
D,M
Dosinia discus
T(?)
Dosinia elegans
D, M,I
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
{not collected)
MOLLUSCA
4
Occurrence*
Tellina lineata
D,
Tellina
listeri
Tellina radiata
Arcopagia fausta
D,I
Apolymetis
T
T
Mulinia
intastriata
lateralis
Gastrochaena hians
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
Modern Distribution
Archaeological
Species
IN
Zone
X
X
X
X
X
Zone
X
X
II
Zone
III
flagellata arata
f.
ghiesbrechti
D, B, T, P
Pachychilus glaphyrus
B,T
Pachychilus indiorum
P
B
Pachychilus
largillierti
FRESHWATER PELECYPODS
Nephronaias aff. calamitarum
Nephronaias goascoranensis
Nephronaias ortmanni
Nephronaias cf. yzabalensis

Psoronaias quadratus
Psoronaias semigranosus
B
P
LAND GASTROPODS
Oleacina sp.
Euglandina carminensis
Euglandina decussata
Euglandina sp.
B
P
Orthalicus princeps princeps
D(?),M,T
Bulimulus
T
B
sp.
Aplexa elata
Neocyclotus dysoni
B,T
Choanapoma radiosum
Helicina sp.
Total: 192
species
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FRESHWATER GASTROPODS
Pomacea
Pomacea
Zone IV
{not sufficiently collected)
Discussion
4*
Trade
(i), Cittarium pica (1), Tectarius murlcatus (5, in
Table
gives
some
definite clues to probable trade
activities in ancient times.
Two
show up
categories
one cache offering), Nerita

f austa
(*)
One specimen
were
sula. Shells
A. Shells from coastal midden (only Isla Cancun,

to date). These were Mollusca collected at
encampments
trade or commerce.
ci it
B. bnells
immediate
than the animal inside, although

such as Dzibilchaltun,
some animals may have been brought in their
...
shell rather
At Mayapan, 50 miles
smaller collection of shell produced a similarly strik-
Cancun
series, is, as
would
The
be expected, entirely composed of local material.

species listed are without exception
local beaches today.
The
as such.
An
is
c
u ,,
which ,,
73 were found. Only three shells were clearly
im P orted fr m * distance, all from the east coast:
1
,-.
<
Glycymeris undata (1), Cymatium femorale (1),
and Cypraecassis
from Chichen
shell artifacts
-j
*-c
testiculus (1).
Deen identified by species. As
...
Itza have mostly not

t
at
u
r
Mayapan, ^
Ulivas
common
'
No
(77).
other evi-
dence published by Proskouriakoff (1962) indicates

trade other than with the north coast.
found one
complete and unaltered Murex fulvescens on the
midden may
surface in the Modified Florescent complex. This
dwellers at the
composed of
exception, as at
found on the
well have exported both seafood and shells.
Category
The
Dzibilchaltun, was the Oliva used for tinklers, of
for tinklers are very

Isla
much
farther inland, a
ing lack of trade specimens.
shells as table delicacies.
Category A, the
abundance on
at sites close to the sea,

1
/111
an item of desiderata
clearly not
in tradC) pro bably because of their
eat-
from inland sites (the balance of our material). These finds of Mollusca were in largest
part brought from the ocean for use of the
99
was
'
either for
ing or, at the most, for extraction of the edible

portions of the animal for shipment inland.
One would expect them to be entirely of local
fauna, and therefore irrelevant to matters of
t,
of Noetia ponderosa
probably traded from the west coast of the penin-
immediately
coastal
Arcopagia
tessellata (1),
shells largely
examination of where these
was almost
imported
shells
surely imported
from southern Cam-
peche or the west shore of the Gulf of Mexico,
might
Archaeological shell from Yucatan proper, in sum-
have come from shows interesting evidence of trade.
mary, although found in huge quantities, seems
We
have been gathered mostly along the north
again at this point that the
stress
butions listed in Table

lections
are based
modern
distri-
on our own
and may be incomplete, but we
col-
believe these
reservations are not sufficient to invalidate the gen-
We
also note here (as discussed fully in the next
section)
that there
is
little
probability of faunal
change on the shores of the peninsula during the

brief
20003000
tions.
At
Isla
dence, there
is
years represented by our collec-
Cancun, where we have
no hint of difference
no great distance on the west

specimens were brought
ous pilgrims
2200 years
in,
coast.
handful of
possibly as souvenirs,
perhaps by the numer-
coast,
who we know
visited the shrines of
pre-Columbian Cozumel Island. In terms of trade

in shell, the northwest peninsula
seems
to
have been
logically self-contained.
Barton Ramie and other Belize River Valley
positive evi-
in the
coast,
Olivas are an exception, but were available at
from the Caribbean
below.
eral patterns described
The
between the midden collections and present-day

shore fauna.
snails
the 2,380 specimens
commonly found on the immenorth coast. Of the 33, 23 are Oliva
and clams, doubtless gathered
a vast majority of the
represent species not
at other
diately adjacent
proximity of the
reticularis
could have
and O. sayana (or
come from
which were,
tinklers.
as
caribaeensis),
either east or west coast,
and
noted below, so widely used as
The remaining handful show
Dzibilchaltun utilized in
all
that although
periods largely
its
molluscan fauna, trade from a distance did
Nine
which
shells of five species
from the Caribbean
local
exist.
were probably imported
coast:
Fissurella
barbadensis
settle-
ments share the general pattern of the northern

described above (Willey and others, 1965).
At Dzibilchaltun, only 33 of
to
sites
numbers only
cies
to
Formative
they are
sea,
less
locally,
shell
formed
encountered;
frequent. Despite the
marine species
first
appear in
The nine
offer much
in the Classic period.
identified by Willey
sites
Land
do not
spe-
clue
broader trade relations. They could have been
imported from nearby British Honduras beaches,
where (with one

found.
possible exception)
The numerous Spondylus
all
are
are to be
all
of the
Atlantic species,
At San
Jose
in
British
Honduras, Thompson
MOLLUSCA
42
(1939) reports nine Atlantic species, none of limited
distribution which might give hints of trade, all of
which we
More
collected along the nearby
interesting are reportings of
Caribbean
two
tuberculosum (as "Lambidium tuberculosa
which
We
this species).
is
produced an impressive quantity of archaeological
of both
amount
Hattula Moholy-Nagy published a valuable
shell.
preliminary
report
(1963)
material
of
gathered
through the 1962 season. She generously offered

us further manuscript notes on specimens acquired
British
Honduras border
in
Guatemala, Merwin and Vaillant (1932) report an

inordinate
further discussion of these trade pieces.)
Tikal, near Uaxactun in the Peten, has recently
the latter species below.
At Holmul, near the
and Spondylus princeps. (See pp. 4345 for
from
Morum
morum"
more
shall see
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
coast.
shells
and
the Pacific coast: Spondylus princeps
sus,
IN
of shell but give no specific iden-
From their illustrations, we can identify

Cyphoma gibbosum and Turbinella angulata,
common on the nearby coast. Vaillant notes
through 1964, of which
Much
we have made
material from Tikal
grateful use.
remains unidentified,
still
or identified only to genus, and
much
has not yet
tifications.
been collated with stratigraphic position of the
only
but
both
(ibid., pp.
must await future
this
lots,
publication. Seventeen
of the 47 presently identified Atlantic species have

a sufficiently restricted distribution to warrant spe-
8889):
manufacture of
inferences regarding trade. Six of these come
from Caribbean waters: Fissurella barbadensis (1),
of the isolated character of
Cittarium pica (3), Nerita versicolor (5), Cassis
the site, during Periods II-IV, as attested by the

pottery, it seems strange to observe shell as the only
evidence of trade relations with a coastal people.
.,,1that
r t>
u tu
j
c
of British Honduras was of
madagascariensis (2), C. tuberosa (1), and Strom-
^lhe presence
1
of so
much workedj
1
raises the question of the source of
the
raw product. In view
11
shell at
XJ
1 ,1
Holmul
most
possible
low culture until the closing days of the

"Old Empire," and the manufacture of shell into
ornaments was done at Holmul. On the other hand
high cultures might have existed in the seaboard
contemporaneously with Holmul, while only their
i
r 11
It is
ornaments were sought by the inland folk. tcertainly true that there is almost no evidence of
Holmul IIIV pottery on the coast, so that social
relatively
have been very
relations cannot
In the inland
picture
,.
was very
close.
of the southern lowlands, the
cities
different.
was traded from great
large
amount
of shell
distances, often apparently
from much farther than necessary. This probably

reflects the existence of a
number
of well-established
Uaxactun, in the central Peten, produced the

considerable collection of shell from the area
(Ricketson and Ricketson, 1937; Kidder,
Of
1947).
the 19 species of Atlantic molluscs reported, 5
give
Two
have been co n ected on l y

_. .
,.
N
the north and east coasts: Diodora listen (1)
v
'
( x )
and Apoly metis

lected only
species
intastriata (1).
Two
have been
from the north and west
coasts:
col-
Can-
and Anadara transversa (29).

haye been taken only Qn the west coast 0Um
cellaria reticulata (6)
Two
Murex rubidus
sayana |i) and

'
l
...
, .
'
(1).
v
>
rive
species
v
have been collected only on the southernmost west
where they seem
coast,
to
be overlappings of a
western Gulf shore fauna: Nerita julgurans (3),

Pohnices duplicatus (3), Lunarca ovalis (8), Noetia
ponderosa (22), and. Mulinia
lateralis (42).
where we can make an educated guess

ence, 8 of 17 species
Thus,
at proveni-
and only 15 of 130 specimens
originated on the nearby Caribbean shore, whereas
9 of 17 species and 115 of 130 specimens seem to
trade routes.
first
bm gigas
It,from
is
cific
some hint
as to provenience.
Three
species
have
have been traded in from the
Gulf of Mexico.
We
much more
distant
would have expected much
the reverse.
Six species reported
from Tikal are of
Pacific
Cerithium maculosum (1), Latirus, prob-
origin:
been collected only on the Caribbean coast and were
ably L. ceratus
presumably traded from that area: Strombus gigas,
subnodosus (n),
Cyphoma gibbosum, and Trachycardium magnum.
dylus princeps (150-)-). Actually, over 500 addi-
Two
tional
species
have been found only on the north and
west coasts and were presumably traded from that

area: Fasciolaria hunteria
ensis. It
is
clear that
and Mercenaria campechi-
Uaxactun was
with both the Caribbean and Gulf
Three
species
in trade contact
coasts.
from Uaxactun were imported from
the Pacific coast:
Area
pacifica,
Lyropecten subnodo-
1), Oliva
Chama
porphyria (9), Lyropecten

echinata (32), and Spon-
Spondylus fragments (divided almost equally
between beads and cached chips)
could
not be
classified as Atlantic or Pacific species.
At Copan, Honduras, Longyear (1952) found

but five species, only one of which is Atlantic in
origin: "Marginella apicina,"
above
is
which we have noted
probably Prunum apicinum virgineum.
Discussion
43
but not mentioned
shell illustrated {ibid., fig. 94, e)
in the text
is
genus Phalium, probably
clearly of the
the species granulatum referred to above collected on

the east coast of the peninsula.
The
Pacific species
Oliva porphyria, O. spicata, Anadara grandis
are:
("Area grandes"), and Spondylus princeps
The
first,
Oliva porphyria,
Keen, 1958,
ful shell (see
attractive
Atlantic
crassisquama"). These proveniences are remarkable
side
the lowland
from the more distant
was imported
Pacific ocean.
He
identified the species
it
eight marine species reported
(Coe, 1959), five are Atlantic,
may
only one of which
Cittarium pica
be of significant distribution:
("Livona pica"), which
in
our peninsular collections
has appeared only on the Caribbean coast, where

is
common. -Three
very
it
species are of Pacific origin:
Crucibulum spinosum,
Morum
tuberculatum, and
four
Bay
the
in
trade as
its
on ornamented
Islands.
on
girdles
and one from Quirigua, noting,
stelae
the shell
is
found sculptured
in stone,
probable that the natural shell will be found
is
also."
at
noting
area,
Roatan and Guanaja
does not seem to have been as abundant or varied
Of
Maya
as
equally interesting molluscan fauna, although shell
as at other sites.
discusses distribution of this shell out-
far
Copan
"Wherever
Piedras Negras, on the Usumacinta River, has an
much more
Boekelman (1935, pp. 26772,
Olivas.
813)
site
VIII) and, given the
pi.
and design than any of the
color
in
figs.
from the
an exceptionally beauti-
very widespread fondness for tinklers,
("S.
in that the bulk of shell
is
Longyear subsequently found the natural
shell
Copan. Moholy-Nagy points out several represen-
tations of this shell
on Tikal
again as belt
stelae,
ornaments. And, as noted above, the natural

also
found
The
shell
is
there.
second, Spondylus princeps,
again a
is
ingly beautiful shell (see Keen, 1958,
strik-
pi. II),
un-
Spondylus princeps ("S. limbatus") Again we have
derstandably traded very widely in pre-Columbian
the anomalous situation that half the species, and
Boekelman (1935, pp. 26266, figs. 47)

outlines its history of use and its distribution: "The
the bulk of actual shell found, are imported from

the Pacific
and the Caribbean instead
of the
Gulf of Mexico. At Piedras Negras,
closer
Barton Ramie, there
much
as
at
extensive offertory use of
is
freshwater and land molluscs (six species).
Maya
Itza the
lowlands. In the north
Chichen
Dzibilchaltun, Mayapan, and
overwhelming mass of archaeological
at
shell is trace-
able to the nearest convenient beaches, with a handful of exceptions
apparently brought from the more
distant Caribbean coast. Interest in the sea
products
is
emphatic here
as
it is
writer has been able to trace
western
down to
throughout which, among
district of the
Peruvian
territory,
use from the South-
its
United States
the
the
higher types of cultures along the Pacific Coast,
Quite different patterns emerge for the northern and. southern
times.
and
its
elsewhere, but local
appears to have been a very highly prized

especially closely connected
tions" (ibid., p. 265).
Pusilha, B.H.
fig. 1),
It
shell,
with religious supersti-
has been found at San Jose,
(Gruning, 1930,
483,
p.
pi.
XXI,
Tikal, Uaxactun, Copan, and Piedras Negras
lowlands and was probably present
in the
it
southern
where the genus
sites
species not differentiated.
common
is
Wherever
at other
but the
intensive exca-
supply seems to have been the dominant factor in
vation has been undertaken in the south, Spondylus
choice.
seems
In the south, where most
from the
sea,
trade
sites
are at
some distance
routes or selective choice of
to
have been of constant ceremonial import,
as well as the
To
raw material
for a
number
of artifacts.
explain the frequent occurrence of the Pacific
on the Atlantic watershed, Boekelman notes
material were obviously stronger factors than simple
species
geographic propinquity, perhaps because of ethnic
that the Atlantic species does not contain the deep
barriers of
which we are not
yet aware.
Where we
have evidence worthy of consideration, the tides of

trade
which brought
general
came from
in shells to the
the distant Gulf of Mexico, not
the closer Caribbean shores

pect simple forms of sea
more
Peten area in
whence one would
life to
significant, the southern
ex-
be collected. Perhaps
Maya lowlands im-
ported a very large proportion of their shell from

the
much more
With two
distant Pacific coast.
species, this
is
quite understandable.
red colors of princeps. There

the fact that both americanus
is
also to
be considered
and princeps are deni-
zens of deep water (10 fathoms or more) and could
be collected
skilled
pre-aqualung days only by very
in
divers.
Groups of such
important role on the Pacific coast
dom of Colima paid

of 1600 valves),
important. Such
played an
divers
(e.g.,
an annual tribute
to
the King-
Montezuma
and the profession must have been

feats
would be
ability of the Atlantic or
far
beyond the
Gulf coast fishermen of
Fig. 3
Trade
lowland Maya area. B, Barton Ramie;

Cancun; M, Mayapan; P, Palenque; S, San Jose;
relations suggested by archaeological finds of Mollusca in the
C, Chichen Itza; Cn, Copan; D, Dzibilchaltun; H, Holmul;

T, Tikal; U, Uaxactun.
44
I,
Isla
Discussion
45
and probably were
today,
would obviously have been
more
times.
Trade
efficient
answer
early
in
than transplantation of divers over such distances.
Spondylus
common
actually
is
on the
shell
beaches of both oceans, but by the time dead valves
thrown on the beach they have always
are
feathery fronds
which make the
lost the
shell so impressive.
These beach-worn specimens, however, have
cameo
that
qualities of white, orange,
made
we have
They were used
beads.
seen above, at the northern
...
these utilitarian purposes.

at the
and red layering
the shell such a valuable material for arti-
facts, particularly
as
the
all
southern
hand.
could have been true
would be
It
Anadara grandis (1) and

Copan, and Crucibulum spino-
L. ceratus (1) at Tikal,
Oliva spicata (14) at
sum
(1) at Piedras Negras. These are positive evi-
dence of the strength of Pacific trade connections,

but they were probably items that filtered in with
the
trade
than
rather
Moholy-Nagy has
causing or
called
supporting
it.
my attention to the fact that,
with the possible exception of Spondylus princeps,
all
trade in Pacific species apparently terminated by the
end of the Early Classic
at Tikal.
sites for just
where the raw material was
sites,
relatively near at
t-,,.
1 his
extensively,
Cerithium maculosum (1) and Latirus, probably
interesting to
Temporal Factors
Table
was prepared
partly to
summarize Dzibil-
chaltun archaeological molluscs, partly to plot these
pursue further the identification of the less glamor-
by pciiods
ous specimens in the southern lowlands to see
the choice of specimens. Examination of the table
if
they are possibly the beach-worn specimens of the
which were abundant
Atlantic species, americanus,
At widely separated San
Jose
was used
The
for tinklers.
and Piedras Negras,
Morum
related to the
Balankanche
in
Yucatan was
the
Gruta de
also tentatively iden-
of shells as listed obvi-
amount
is
another tinkler from
of excavation in debris
this
we
can
make
our belief (and
only a
this
must
be only approximate) that our actual excavations

into debris of the various periods
is
fairly closely
proportionate to the frequency of such deposits at

the
tion
site.
There were two periods of great popula-
(and therefore deposition): the Dzibilchaltun
tuberculosum. Later comparison with mod-
Middle Formative, roughly 500300 b.c, and the
was probably the
Late Early period and Pure Florescent, roughly
ern specimens indicated that

Atlantic
species,
although
it
its
much
and
altered
eroded condition makes the identification doubtful.
Lyropecten
is
another large, often very brightly
colored and attractive shell,
which would under-
standably be traded to great distances.

species nodosus, relatively
peninsular
periphery,
The
common on
was used
for
Atlantic
the entire
pendants in
Yucatan. At Uaxactun only the Pacific species sub-
nodosus
is
subjective appraisal. It
occurrences,
tified as
ously
changed
to period.
Piedras Negras examples
Gulf of Mexico. Because of these southern
is
found, and at Tikal most specimens are
greater distance
another
valve, of
is
another attractive Pacific
It
is
less
colorful
which were quite common
bi-
and much
less
in Atlantic
and
was
greatly reduced.
We
believe that
the frequencies recorded in Table 2 reflect fairly

accurately the
amount
of shells used at Dzibilchaltun
in the various periods.
the
The
differing figures
from
two peak periods of occupation are probably
proportionate.
The
paucity
epochs of low population
shells:
Area
paeifica (2) at
do not always coincide
of
specimens
during
will, of course, reflect the
Uaxactun,
at
Dzibilchaltun (or
else-
where). Architecture of the Late Early period and
Pure Florescent
is
unmistakably different, but the
pottery of this entire span,
which we
call
the
Copo
complex, continues with only minor change. So,
when
closer to the Peten.
other Pacific coast imports are scarce and
unimpressive
the population
diminished use of molluscs by the fewer inhabitants.
graceful than the Atlantic species, such as C. macero-
six
second (from Modified Florescent to modern times),
item to accentuate the
which 32 unworked and worked were
Gulf waters, much
after the
Ceramic complexes and broader cultural periods
echinata
at Tikal.
450750. Between these peaks, and
paucity of deposition in those times rather than a
from
Pacific trade route.
Chama
a.d.
much
of this species, although imported
The
in shell definitely
Of
was common on the nearby shores of
oniscus,
phylla,
from period
vogues
of the various periods.
are striking, as the almost identical Atlantic species,
found
clear that
tuberculosum
the Pacific mulberry shell,
the
it
The numerical frequency
nearby.
M.
makes
time was a significant factor in
to see if
excavations and the resultant stratigraphy are
associated
readily
with
architecture,
we can
distinguish
between the two periods; but when the
46
association
we
cannot.
is
purely ceramic, as
often the case,
this less firmly
we have
just noted, the excavated
and the Late Early period
-Pure Florescent were
This
dated material.
deposits of the Formative
Although, as
is
times as
The column headed "Copo complex"
Table 2 includes
in
is
of roughly equal volume,
Species
Early
Early
Period
Period
tive
II
this disparity
12
16
vs.
is
522).
much
is
makes
it
clear that
mostly traceable to several species
of shell which were present in great abundance in
it
Formative deposits and rare or absent
later.
SHELL FROM DZIBILCHALTUN
Copo
Complex
(1,409
despite the fact that the latter epoch
Closer examination of Table 2
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
Forma-
shells as the latter
richer in artifacts, of shell or other material.
interesting that the former contains almost three
Table
is
many
Pure
Modified
Flores-
Flores-
Black
on
WUWUWU
cent
cent
Cream
Decadent
WU
Unstrat-
WUWUW
ified
cenote
GASTROPODA
Diodora cayenensis
Cittarium pica
Nerita tessellata
Neritina virginea
Tectarius muricatus
Vermicularia spirata
Cerithium eburneum
Crepidula fornicata
Strombus costatus
Strombus pugilis
Cypraea cervus
Phalium inflatum
Cymatium pileare
Ficus communis
Murex pomum
236
23
46
133
96+
2
226
I35
>
86
11
I
1
10
127
Fasciolaria tulipa
27
15
14
Vasum muricatum
3
i
38'
29
28
4
1
Olivella dealbata
14
28
75
46
I0
13
I
,
54
12
1
1
212
14
105
1
1
12
Oliva reticularis
Bulla occidentalis
21
215
Conus floridanus
Conus spurius atlanticus
19
13
53
Melongena corona
Melongena melongena
Busycon coarctatum
Busycon contrarium
Busycon perversum
Busycon spiratum

Prunum labiatum
96
Oliva sayana
10
Turbinella angulata
10
PELECYPODA
Area zebra
4*
Anadara notabilis
Anadara transversa
3
3
5
Noetia ponderosa
Modiolus
d.
granosissimus
L
2
Brachidontes exustus
Isognomon
Isognomon
alatus
radiatus
Pinctada radiata
Pteria
colymbus
37
1
35
23
105
4
4
2
II
47
Discussion
Table
Forma-
Species
Early
Early
Period
Period
t1Ve
WU WU
11
Atrina seminuda
Copo
Complex
II
Continued
Black
Pure
Modified
Flores-
Flores-
on
cent
Cream
cent
WU WU WU WU
Unstrat-
Decadent
ified
Cenote
Total
28
Plicatula gibbosa
1
Lyropecten nodosus
10
Anomia simplex
12
Pseudocyrena floridana
63
21
3
12
2
1
Phacoides radians
Codakia orbicularis
Chama
34
19
Aequipecten muscosus
congregata
Trachycardium isocardia
Dinocardium r. vanhyningi
15
19
15
4
77
58
18
79
18
419
223
28
Mercenaria campechiensis
Chione cancellata
Anomalocardia cuneimeris
37
10
17
49
79
11
13
Transennella cubaniana
Macrocallista maculata
Dosinia elegans
Tellina lineata
Arcopagia fausta
13
1
1
FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA
Pomacea
flagellars arata
Nephronaias
Total: 73
aff.
2,376
cal^mitarum
species
U, unworked;
W,
worked.
pods appeared in impressive abundance during the
Most striking are Melongena melongena and M.

corona, of which there are 348 specimens, from
Formative period, but continued
Formative deposits, only 8 datable as Early period
during
or Florescent. These were found in cache offerings,
ticularly the oversized
but were also scattered through domestic debris,
Ficus communis, and Fasciolaria tulipa, as well as

most of the larger conchs of the genera Strombus,
sometimes in
that these
We
piles.
shall state later
were brought
scavengers are
now
belief
although such
considered inedible.
Another example
Prunum apicinum
in to eat,
our
is
the
Marginella.
The
tiny
virgineum, of which 105 were
found (75 with a hole broken for suspension as

beads), is almost entirely Formative in occurrence,
only
more
datable to later periods.

beautiful cousin
is
Its
Prunum
larger
and much
labiatum; of 54
later periods.
in
moderate use
These include the
cockles, par-
Dinocardium
vanhyningi,
r.
Busycon, Pleuroploca, and Turbinella.
It
noted later that the disproportion between periods

may reflect a change to bringing only the meat,
rather than animal with shell
and
all,
from the ocean
for table use.
Only two
Of
21
distributions follow a reverse pattern.
Anomia
deposits.
And
simplex, none are from Formative
of 63 Spondylus americanus, only 5
specimens, 47 were Formative period, only 3 datable

to later deposits. Unlike the tiny-Marginellas, these
are of Formative age. Both these cases
beauties were apparently not collected for beads;
and Florescent times.
only one was possibly perforated for suspension.
Their use
is
problematical, perhaps
religious
or
number
reflect
an increase of jewelry making
Although
it
is
possible to
of other larger pelecypods
and
gastro-
probably
in Early period
do no more than con-
jecture their significance, these striking changes of
mode from Formative
medicinal.
will be
present.
to later times are definitely
Use of Shells
as
worked. Only 333
preponder-
2 that the vast
ance of shell from Dzibilchaltun
out of a
We
Votive Offerings
from Table
plain
It is
completely un-
is
fragments
shells or identifiable
2,376 showed any sign of working,
total of
The
about 14 per cent.
larger part of these
were tiny
Marginellas worked as beads and small nacreous
Some
were doubtless brought
of the shells
but this would
table,
still
Other
of material found.
was probably brought
and use
in for slight alteration
for the
not account for the bulk
shell
as ornaments, or for
simple raw material in jewelry; but the
number
unworked specimens cannot be accounted
for
of
as
have endowed the marine
to
mollusc with magic or symbolic properties which
number
led to a
of ritual (or possibly only super-
stitious) usages. Unfortunately,
know
of no sur-
vival of such beliefs or practices into historic times..
"Ethnomalacology"
This
in this area
an empty word.
is
in startling contrast to the
is
Maya's continu-
My
ing knowledge of their botanical environment.
Merida housekeeper's Maya vocabulary

species
awesome
is
in size
and
her knowledge of their
is
nal qualities.
Time
therapeutic properties
for
plant
in specific definition,
life
history
after time, as
she gives most specific
many ways
that cults of interest
as
if
lists
of
they were
Gaumer or from Ralph Roys's Ethnobotany of the

Maya (1931). But despite the 73 species at inland
Dzibilchaltun, our informant
describing shells
knows only one word
the Spanish word concha. Efforts
Maya names
to obtain
for
marine
shells,
the coastal population, were fruitless.
even
among
The
generic
term hub occurs in early dictionaries with the meaning of
'shell'
or 'shell trumpet' (e.g., Perez, 186677,
143) and
p.
general
is
sense
still
name boc for

tionary. 1 Any cult
the
occasionally used in the
today.
Roys (1931,
oyster in the
p.
more
328)
cites
San Francisco Dic-
of interest has certainly long since
vanished.
1 Prof.
Alfredo Barrera Vasquez, whose knowledge of

is
unparalleled,
knows
Maya
of only
name; Pleuroploca gigantea, the largest of our

is called chacpel. "Chac" means red in Maya;
the vernacular ("termino indecente" Perez, 186677,
specific
marine molluscs,
"pel"
is
275)
for the
(Schellhas'
referred
Thompson
as
"The Mam")
conch on
as carrying a large
is
by
to
frequently depicted
his back,
and occasion-
emerging from one. The godhead and the
molluscan symbol are associated with the underworld, with death, and (according to Forstemann)
the five unlucky days at
By
extension, the shell
moon
with the
Uayeb
at the
end of the
year.
became associated with water,
goddess Ixchel (who was the goddess
of fertility and childbirth and also a water deity),

childbirth. In hieroglyphic writing, the
was symbolic
shell
of completion, being used as the
basic glyph for zero
and a component of various
glyphs describing completion, such as period-ending
Thompson (1950,
signs.
symbolism
a
number
in
some
pp. 13334), examines this
and
detail
illustrates
of graphic representations.
parative material
is
(fig.
21)
More com-
assembled by Schellhas (1904),
Spinden (191 3, pp. 83-84, figs. 108-11), Tozzer

(1957, p. 107, figs. 166-83) and Anders (1963,
numerous
Most
references
and
illustrations).
of the portrayals of the

in the codices,
some
Old God with the

of
which probably
date to not long before the conquest. But the concept
much
is
earlier one. Several
fied Florescent structures at
columns
female genitalia. The brilliant red Pleuroploca
in
Modi-
Chichen Itza portray
man emerging from a large conch shell

(Spinden, 191 3, fig. no; Tozzer, 1957, fig. 175).
an old
Two
of the gold disks recovered
Well
at
Chichen
Itza portray this motif (cf. Lothrop,
1952, pp. 6162,

figure
is
God N.
an old
from the Sacred
fig.
43). In one the emerging
man who might
well have been
In the other, however, the figure
is
that of the deity with the long, decorated nose
Schellhas called
later.
God K,
of
whom we
clearly
whom
shall see
more
Lothrop believed these gold disks belong
to
the very beginnings of the "Toltec" period (Modified Florescent) at
Chichen
Itza, as the central panels
contain design forms which are largely of Mexican

plateau inspiration, and the peripheries
faunal and floral terminology
one
of the ancients
collect plants,
Maya names and
which look
The Old God

and Anders' God N,
Maya
in
ideas of cosmogeny.
conch are
we
to the very
were deeply involved
distant past. Shells
and medici-
borrowed verbatim from the early works of George
p.
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
and some of these can be traced
exist,
and with
simply an artisan's backlog.
The Maya seem
did
shall see in
ally as
fragments possibly used in mosaic.
as
IN
MOLLUSCA
48
still
con-
somewhat graphically separated from the white animal

Strombus and Busycon, or the black Turbinella, the other
large conchs. Both Pleuroploca and Turbinella, however, are
known to most modern coastal fishermen by the Spanish name
abulon. Some popular names for freshwater and land molluscs
will be mentioned below.
is
of
thus
Discussion
49
Maya glyphic forms and designs. Recent

has shown that such "Toltec" motifs did ap-
what the
tain pure
sea. Precisely
research
text of this association was,
pear far back into the Pure phase of the Florescent.
The
Iglesia, attached to the
Chichen,
at
Pure Florescent
of
is
Casa de
las
Monjas
Two
date.
of the
religious or superstitious con-
we
shall
probably never
know, but the continuous presence
of other forms
of marine animals with shells in caches, and other

offerings,
must be
significant.
we
In the paragraphs below
niches in the front facade of this structure con-
shall
touch only upon
tain representations in carved stucco of individuals
raw
emerging from conch
of shell or shell perforated for use as jewelry are
shells
(best
by
illustrated
1963). Tozzer has suggested that these might
Bolles,
have been
later
replacements of original carvings,
but no such stuccowork

Florescent.
is
known from
the Modified
polychrome bowl from the
LXXXII),
pi.
God
conch
sitting
shell.
Caches" and "Artifacts."
Of
the
many tombs
have offerings of
at Dzibilchaltun,
shells.
Two
only seven
are Formative
and
Copo complex, one

Late Early period. The species found
five
datable
on or emerging from an enormous
to the
are:
This
may
Maya
Early period date,
vessel, of
In the southern area, no

representations of the
than
less
six different
Old God with the conch
on four pottery
vessels
from Chama
Alta Verapaz (Dieseldorff, 1926-33, vol.
shell
in the
1, figs.
70,
71, 136137, 237, 239).
On
paired panels, the god
emerging from the conch
is
Cerithium eburneum (2)
Strombus costatus (1)
two
of these vessels, in
communis
Area zebra ( 1 pair)

Chione cancellata (4)
None
life.
all
of the seven contained other forms of marine
At Mayapan, where
were presumably
burials
of the Decadent period, occasional lots of shell
and marine materials were included
as offerings,
These
but no identification of the tomb material, as such,
be assigned to the Late Classic of the
was published (A. L. Smith, 1962). At Copan three
in one, seated in front of
it
in the other.
south (Late Early period in Yucatan).
On
of the Foliated Cross at Palenque
let
will
"Tombs and
be described in separate volumes on
Fie us
may
and
topic,
are associated with the
lowlands.
vessels
this
to
has a beautiful panel representing
well have been imported from the southern
are found
germane
not considered
Bliss Col-
lection, said to be from Yucatan (Lothrop, i957>
introduced as such. Jewelry
shells intentionally
the Tab-
tombs contained offerings; one held four unworked
(also Late
Oliva porphyria; the second a Spondylus princeps
Classic), one of the principal figures stands on a
representation of
God K,
the god with the elongated,
decorated nose, emerging from a large conch, hold-
probably growing corn
ing in his hand what
is
(Maudslay, 1889-1902,
vol. 4, pis. 80,
81). This
is
valve, containing pearl, jade,
and cinnabar; the third
fragments" (Longyear, 1952, pp. 3550). At
"shell
Barton Ramie only two burials, both Protoclassic,

contained offerings of
shell,
both the freshwater
clam Nephronaias ortmanni (W,
fig.
309, /-).
At
reminiscent of the gold disk from Chichen Itza men-
San Jose only two burials had such material, both
Moholy-Nagy (1963, p. 78) notes that

at Tikal, "Four wizened, gnome-like creatures, probably Mams, are shown emerging from what seem
to be conch shells along the sides of Altar 4, which
probably
tioned above.
is
Early Classic in style and type of stone."
From
the above
it
conchs, were firmly entrenched

religious beliefs
reason that
we
ancient
for
and customs. But
the
Maya
same
cannot believe that the Oliva tinklers
so frequently used for belt
period were
in
worn
to
ornaments
in the Early
remind the wearer of the under-
world, death, or parturition
over the face, the other contained a single Nephronaias (T, pp. 193220).
several of the
ings,
is clear that shells, or at least
we cannot believe that
IV; one had a large ostreid cupped
S.J.
minor
At Tikal
the tombs and
burials contained shell offer-
prominently Spondylus.
tion of
all
Our working
defini-
tombs has been "stone-walled and stone-roofed
or vaulted areas containing burials." This
at vari-
is
ance with the Tikal Project's definition of tomb,
whereby
floor space
single interment
this is true at
is
(M,
in excess of the needs of the

p.
74).
The
rare cases
where
Dzibilchaltun are away from the major
ceremonial structures, and are not relatively richly
No
Maya
sites accumulated for the same reason. Rather, we
believe they were also important to the Maya because
endowed with
they symbolized, or at least were reminiscent
thatched dwellings, although numerous, shared the
the
enormous quantity of unworked
shell at
of,
the
offerings of
any
sort.
rich
tombs
of the type found at Tikal have appeared at Dzibilchaltun.
Those
in
ceremonial
structures
and
in
MoLLUSCA
same simple stone

ings.
No
cists
and the same shabby
offer-
one believed, apparently, that you could
with you." In the most fashionable burial

areas, the pottery offerings were often either broken
"take
or
it
worn out
before deposition.
With
these strictures,
two
sites
does
not seem too disparate, nor do those at other
sites
the frequency of shell offerings at the
in the
lowlands. In Uaxactun, five Early and
Maya
Phacoides radians ( 1
Chama congregata (3)
(1
Trachycardium isocardia (fragments)

Trachycardium muricatum (fragments)
Dinocardium r. vanhyningi (16)
Mercenaria campechiensis (fragments)
Chione cancellata (3 + fragments)
Anomalocardia cuneimeris (2)
Transennella cubamana (4)
61). At Piedras Negras, one Late Classic tomb
(the most elaborately equipped at the site) contained
and one Psoronaias
three Spondylus princeps valves
quadratus (C,
summary,
rarely,
THE MaYA LOWLANDS
IN
Crassostrea virginica (3)
Late Classic burials had offerings of raw shell (K,

p.
p. 55).
Over the area
burials occasionally, but at
some
cardium
sites
very
dants of perforated but otherwise unaltered shells
which might have
of this material,
component
played a prominent role as a
shell
Ten
of caches at Dzibilchaltun.
r.
vanhyningi
Formative cache from
caches
the caches followed even
volume on
this material in the
here note only that
much
have
we
which were
to say
artifacts,
about
but shall
are usually uncertain whether
such fragments were considered as raw material

suitable for
making
small jewelry such as mosaic,
or whether they
were
rejects or
such operations.
surprising
occurred in caches
(numerals
waste material from
number
indicate
of species
unaltered
all
(fig. 4).
plex.
500 contained 22 perfect
more
rigidly the temporal
on pp. 4548, above. For exbut one of the 62 cached Melongenas

Formative context;
in
of the
all
number
forms of marine
other
of
in
Three caches contained colonies of bryozoans; one,

nine of such.
Various
One contained
inclusions
of
spines of the stingray
chunk
of
remains,
fish
and the spiny
marine
scales of the
boxfish, will be discussed in detail elsewhere in our
No
substela caches
were found
that
all
were found
fall
in
at Dzibil-
the class of
Crepidula jornicata (3)
caches,
Melongena corona (50)

Melongena melongena (12)
Busy con contrarium (3)
Busycon spiratum
( 1
Fasciolaria tulipa (fragments)
coral.
particularly
"structure caches" as used by other writers.
Ficus communis (3
life
one cache, possibly brought in on large conchs.
Tectarius muricatus (4)

Vermicularia spirata ( 1
+ fragments)
+ fragments)
18
appeared in the caches. Thirty barnacles were found
chaltun;
Strombus costatus (5
single
Dinocardiums were associated with the Copo Com-
reports.
specimens):
which might have con-
variations discussed
were found
shall
Str.
as single
Melongenas, evenly divided between the species
ments of fragments, some of which showed marks
We
Dino-
tained animals as food offerings
ample,
simply smashed.
carefully nested
obviously arranged
valves, therefore not pairs
contained unaltered specimens; 16 contained assort-
of cutting or grinding, but most of
Copo
corona and melongena. Distribution of species in
served the same symbolic purpose.
Unworked
without container or other offerings.
Complex cache contained 16
considerably higher proportion contained pen-
made
shell,
as a whole, in
contained offerings of unworked molluscs.
or jewelry
Several caches contained only a single species of
At Mayapan,
in his
summary
of 27 residential
Smith (1962, pp. 25663) lists only one unidentified shell and no marine material. Proskouriakoff notes, to the contrary, that "small conchlike
apparently unworked, have been found in
shells,
many
cists
and caches containing other
She mentions
specifically only a
Cymatium
artifacts."
jemorale.
Six pieces of coral, of at least three species, were
Pleuroploca gigantea (fragments)
Prunum
virgineum (3)
Bulla occidentalis (fragments)
a.
Area zebra
(1 pair)
Brachidontes exustus (3)

Isognomon alatus (fragments)
Atrina seminuda (fragments)
Spondylus americanus (fragments)

Anomia simplex (16)
found "in tombs or
in association
ceremonial nature" (P,
At Copan,
all
p.
with objects of
387).
of the 14 caches found
had been
placed under stelae. Six were listed as containing
marine
shells,
of
which only Spondylus princeps
and Anadara grandis are

species.
One Copan
identified,
both Pacific
cache contained coral fragments
))
Discussion
Fig.
5i
Dzibilchaltun,
ciated with
and
Str.
Copo Complex
a stingray
38, Cache 1: 16 nested
another contained a pearl.
tail;
unworked
novel component was stalagmites, which appeared
At Balankanche
in four caches.
in
Yucatan we find
these connected with rain ritual
(Andrews, 1967).
At Barton Ramie, only three caches were found,
none containing
shell of
any kind. However
Jose, 7 structure caches of the
unworked
shell
were of Classic
found
at
20 found contained
and/or other marine material. All

date, mostly S.J. IV.
The
species
Cerithium variabile
shells.
Four
ing species (RR, p. 199):

Crepidula
sp. (1)
S'trombus pugilis
Prunum
Ostrea
a.
virgineum (54)
sp. (1)
is
cache contained 19 valves of Spondylus
Smith
number
of other caches
but these are not
shells,
pp. 10305). Also
cit.,
present in the caches were coral, pearls, marine
worm
a tendency to include other products
pumice fragments,
sevr
numerous box-
and even two manatee bones (T,
casts,
and stingray
spines.
Specifics are not yet available
on the uniquely
rich caches recovered in the Tikal excavations,
are
still
in progress as this
is
written.
which
However,
Moholy-Nagy's 1963 paper gives valuable prelimi-
summary of the data through the 1962 season.

Unworked shell and marine material is common in
nary
Thompson (1931,
lists
unworked
earlier caches, later

2
unworked
individually identified {op.
corals or bryozoans, a pearl,
84-92 ).
have been recorded
five
identified
caches of the Tzakol period contained the follow-
as containing
of the sea, including eight
92) only
p.
containing
as
princeps. A. L.
Spondylus princeps (17)
pp.
the 64 caches recovered at Uaxactun (A. L.
One Tepeu
Columbella mercatoria (2)

Terebra (?) cinerea (5)
fish spines,
Of
Smith, 1950,
Trachycardium muricatum (2)
Neritina meleagris (24)

Neritina virginea (1)
eral
Dinocardium robustum vanhyningi. Asso-
San
are:
Again, there
valves of
ceramics.
31) reports a fragment of

branch coral from a structure cache at Hatzcap Ceel, B.H.,
along with unworked, unidentified shells.
p.
273,
pi.
becoming unusual, and
disappearing from the offerings.

pletely absent in the
22
stela
They
are
finally
com-
caches dating after
) )
MOLLUSCA
52
Of 55
9.13.0.0.0.
marine
Moholy-Nagy notes
objects. In fact,
contents of these caches
This
is
the great
where
frequently at different
sites
however,
mass of unworked
unworked molluscs and
briefly,
life
frequent but form only a tiny
sites,
Summarizing
percentage of the total from the
between the two
able for manufacture of jewelry.
Tikal" (M, pp. 72-74).
in strong contrast with Dzibilchaltun,
shells in caches are
from
that "the
Comparison
site.
is difficult.
shell
early Classic caches, this
Although
from Tikal comes
is
a period of
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
the exception of valuable Spondylus, were not suit-
comprise most of the un-
known from
modified shells
42 contained
structure caches,
IN
were included
and
They
more frequent
are
in caches than in
ponent of the assemblages of offerings.
Another but probably
little
found
closely
votive cult
few caches have been found. The very large number
wells of the northern peninsula.
from Dzibilchaltun are mostly of Late
refer to as
tombs, but never apparently an indispensible com-
construction at Dzibilchaltun; and correspondingly
of caches
different times as
components of the votive offerings we

caches.
rarely to
is
of
in the cenotes or freshwater
Well
that of the Sacred
is
form
related
at
The most famous

Chichen
Edward H. Thompson
Itza, first
Early period and Pure Florescent date; and where
explored by
these overlap the occupation of Tikal, caches at the
recently by the Instituto Nacional de Antropologfa
latter site are characterized
of raw-shell offerings.
by decreasing amounts
very large variety of non-
marine material was obtained
shell
tively,
apparently
much more
although the former
from the
than at Dzibilchaltun,
more than
is
at Tikal, rela-
ten times as far
This includes pearls, several species
sea.
of corals, bryozoans, gorgonians,
sea-urchin frag-
ments, a sand dollar, sponge, chunks of coquina,

stingray spines,
and
fish vertebrae, spines
(M, pp. 69-70, M-MS).

specimens
Nagy
is
and scutes
Specific association of these
not yet available, although Moholy-
notes that they are
Classic
caches,
worked
shell
when
become
more common
introduction
less
of
actual
un-
frequent.
At Piedras Negras, unworked
shells
Of 94 such
played a
role
in
less
the
offerings, 15
contained shells of 8 marine, 2 freshwater and 2

land species:
Cittarium pica
of the results have been completely
published (but
cf.
Lothrop, 1952; Tozzer, 1957;
Davalos H., 1961; Littlehales, 1961). Although an
immense quantity
of pottery
and
artifacts of gold,
copper, jade, and other materials was introduced as

sacrificial offerings
with
human
beings, few marine
animals or materials have been reported. Dr.
who
is
J.
Ladd,
studying Harvard's collections from
Sacred Cenote, reports

six
the
molluscs of four species:
Pleuroploca gigantea (2)

Oliva reticularis (2)
as well as several
fragments of gorgonians obviously
brought from the

smaller but
sea.
much
deeper cenote within the
large collection of artifacts dating
from Formative
times until virtually the present (Andrews, 1959,
1962; Marden, 1959). Most of this long

offerings date to the Late Early period
Florescent,
Pomacea flagellata arata ( 1

Pomacea flagellata ghiesbrechti (4)
built.
when most
Mixed with
artifacts,
it
and Pure
of the ceremonial center
this large
forming, as
series of
and
was
rich assortment of
were, one continuous cache,
,,*
were 48 unworked marine molluscs of 20
species:
cache contained a single piece of coral. Again
in strong contrast to Dzibilchaltun,
unworked
None
has yielded, after several seasons of diving, a very
(1
Area imbricata (2)

Area zebra (5)
Spondylus princeps (11)
Ostrea sp. (1)
Trachy car dium muricatum (1)
One
States.
ceremonial group at Dzibilchaltun, Cenote Xlacah,
(1
Vermicularia spirata (2)
Euglandina decussata
Choanopoma radiosum
Mexico in cooperation with the Club
de Exploraciones y Deportes Acuaticos de Mexico

and the National Geographic Society of the United
Cruabulum spinosum
most
Strom bus pugilis (1)
prominent but nonetheless important

composition of caches.
in Late
e Historia of
in 1904,
Coe notes
that
shell and marine material have not been

found outside of offerings (C, pp. 55, 77-119). The
species that were brought in for this purpose, with
Large intentional offerings of pottery have been found on

Lake Amatitlan in Guatemala (Borhegyi, 1959),
the floor of
and Luis Marden informs
me
numbers of offertory
were encountered in a brief
hour of diving below the waters of Lake Flores (Peten-Itza)
in Guatemala. No material of marine origin was forthcoming.
that large
vessels in a very distinct tradition
))
))) ) ) )
Discussion
53
Diodora cayenensis ( i
Strombus costatus (3)
Cymatium parthenopeum (1)
Ficus communis
Murex pomum
(both of which would have been so easily available
on the beaches near Dzibilchaltun). The

were apparently favored
Turbinella angulata
5//fl occidentalis
have been removed but were not). These
( 1
so frequently partly filled
dence of any attempt
At Dzibilchaltun,
Dosinia elegans (2)
occupation with the
We
Also introduced were 14 gorgonians (sea fans) and

of coral (note that gorgonians have also been
impossible to
It is
number
of
Pomacea
not found
is
north fagade of
evi-
To
the con-
conserve the original
to
other evidence in Yucatan of presea.
Str.
The medial molding

(Temple
i-sub
of the
of the Seven
Dolls) at Dzibilchaltun, the side facing the sea,
is
whether or
adorned with a parade of maritime creatures,
sting-
rays, unidentified fish, aquatic birds (fig. 5).
Much
alive there today.
from the above data
much
have
no
prepare these
clean or
to
intro-
flagellata arata
tell
found in the cenote were introduced by humans;
It is clear
marine
of the
at least, there is
was made
trary, every effort
identity with the sea.
the species
Many
offerings as items of beauty or value.

Tikal).
after death, not
forms were broken or fragmentary when
Carditamera floridana ( 1
Trachycardium isocardia (3)
Trachycardium muricatum (1)
not the large
drift
duced.
at
with sand and beach
were obviously collected
that they
Anomia simplex
found
were
( 1
Atrina seminuda (3)

Plicatula gibbosa ( 1
lump
shells
placed in the offerings as food.
Pinctada radiata
covered with barnacles
if
or other marine parasites (which often could easily
Melongena corona ( 1
Busy con contrarium (3)
(
larger shells
(1)
Oliva reticularis
nor were they usually perfect specimens
tive species,
that the
amazing
unworked shells found at Maya sites,

from the sea, must be accounted for, at least
later,
Chac Mool Temple (buried beneath the
the
Temple
of the Warriors) at Chichen Itza, featured
at least
two very
murals of
naturalistically painted
quantity of
seashore
even far
ditions of various molluscs, horseshoe crabs, aquatic
in part, by religious or superstitious belief or ritual.
birds,
Unfortunately no trace of such belief or practice has
important stingray).
survived into
modern times
for speculation
to give us a
Landa's scattered information
as
on the calendar did
for epigraphers. Quite
aesthetic or utilitarian usages
seem
distinct patterns
in particular)
were
to
(which did
the underworld, water
and childbirth
picted in the codices, architectural
and pottery
sculpture,
Early Classic
exist),
two
with death,
and
is
at a
number
of
a doubtful one. (2)
shell
The
have been a
We
and marine
sea
real
marine
life
beliefs
might
association, at best,
unworked
forms and representations, rang-
clusters of byrozoans, in
.all
an obviously
intense preoccupation with the sea. Shells, although
immediate identity in
The
intent
one.
The
was
shells
would seem
this
in ancient
might have been an impor-
chaltun which was at times vastly beyond what
large part of the
the most frequent items,
economic dependence
the coastal salt marshes
could
have been supported by
However,
"cult of the
this
distance
to lose their
is
life.
Use of Shells
Ornaments
Worked
as
shell
is
agriculture.
as
is
at a
and could have had much
ence on economic
has or has not retained
on the
its
strong or
much
greater
less direct influ-
usually divided into
gories by the archaeologist,

it
local
sea"
stronger at Tikal, where the sea
ing from shells to gorgonians, corals, sand dollars,
and even
empha-
what must
have suggested elsewhere that control of
from the area seems part of a larger configura-
tion of
life reflected
we
and monumental
at least as far back as the
sites.
still
tant factor in the support of a population at Dzibil-
account for the occasional occurrence of shells in
tombs
inclined to surmise that this strong
on the
times.
(emphasizing the obviously
fish
the basis of our Dzibilchaltun evidence,
would be
sis
ren-
are de-
the south. These
in
beyond
emerge: (1) Shells (conchs
closely associated
On
springboard
and
charming
(frontispiece), including
life
two
basis of
cate-
whether
original form. In the
former, for aesthetic or religious purposes,
it is
still
broader configuration.
clearly not primarily
an aesthetic
chosen for offerings were not
attrac-
Moholy-Nagy (1963,
at Tikal.
p.
73) notes that
this
was the
case
~Tf^
bo
SJS
d
-C
1N
Q
to
c
o
~-<
E
u
Cs
fA
J5
v>
U
C bo
<u
c
-3
>
<J*>
u
ii
J=!
M-l
o -o
U)
JH IS
o.
B-S
,->
"~"
_Q
rt
3
C7
rt
-rt
H H
bO
i-l
.5
4_i
C/3
i/>
D _c
-a />
n
U3
<j-
^"3
j=^S
c -a
bO
"o
_a
-o
13
o
-
E^
Ji
fc
a.
>,
_e
rt
rt
"
CO
u o
v>
*-J
rt
rt
,_]
E
X
J3
lH
*-W
in
Dh
a
rt
)
.
ft
bo
aj
c c
c
) )
) )
Discussion
55
a shell; in the latter
make something
simply a material used to
is
it
Occurrences of both are
else.
Twelve
species of pelecypods
chaltun to
make
species used at Dzibilchaltun were:
Olivella dealbata (14)
will be reserved for
our separate study of Dzibilchaltun
The
listed
in detail in the checklist above. Detailed discussion
and comparative study of both
stringing.
Two
(77)
further uses of almost unaltered shells are
artifacts.
were used
difficult to place
at Dzibil-
pendants, usually with two drilled
logical
found
perforations at or near the hinge for suspension:
within our highly
artificial
taxonomy. Pairs of Spondylus
were
shells
Copan, Pusilha, and Tikal used
at
archaeo-
as "jewel
boxes," to contain offerings of pearl, tiny jade beads,
Anadara notabilis (3)

Anadara transversa (3)
and other small
offerings.
At Piedras Negras,
a pair
Aequipecten muscosus (2)

Lyropecten nodosus (3)
Spondylus americanus (10)
Carditamera fioridana (2)
Phacoides pectinatus (1)
Mercenaria campechiensis ( 1

Dosinia elegans
Nephronaias
aff
Pendants were
(
.
calamitarum (4)
made
also
of three species of smaller
gastropods, usually perforated near the shoulder for

vertical suspension:
Fasciolaria tulipa
(1
Conus floridanus ( 1
remarkably long-lived ornament of
ally called a tinkler, is
area
from Early
found throughout the Maya
Classic times in the south to the
Decadent period in the north
always apparently a
popular item of jewelry. They are usually
an Atlantic or
usu-
shell,
made
a Pacific species of Oliva, but, as
of
we
have seen above, are sometimes of quite different

shells.
Usually, the spire
at the
shoulder (sometimes
twice),
and a sawn hole
pattern of alteration
is
is
is
cut
it
off,
is
approximately
merely perforated
The
cut near the base.
clearly not for suspension,
but to enable firm stitching to a fabric (see K,

85,^,4). Usually the
was
intact,
left
shell,
with
its
attractive design,
but some specimens
were elaborately reworked. The
fig.
85,^,6)
(fig.
species
used at
Dzibilchaltun are:
Oliva reticularis (7)
Oliva say ana (11)
Prunum labiatum (2)
Where
were used
shells largely retaining their original
as beads, drilled perforation
seems
to
form
have
been considered more labor than the product warranted.
Sometimes the apex was ground
off;
more
Fig.
lar,
often a single hole
was broken
in the side to
permit
Two
Hedlund
pan
but
tinklers
from the
in Merida, exact
much
cruder, specimen
(P, fig. 45,a).
collection of Richard E.
provenience unknown.
Scale 3/4.
is
illustrated
simi-
from Maya-
Mollusca
56
Area zebra was used
of
for this purpose.
The
valves
were sometimes painted with cinnabar.

Effective trumpets could be made by cutting
the apical whorls
this to
have been done
made from
blast
on
When
this
finally
Dzibil-
at
succeeded in producing a
instrument (and
convinced that
trumpet
was cached
a large Turbinella angulata
under a Middle Formative structure

chaltun.
off
and we know
at various sites.
it
was
a blast),
was
my lip membrane was perand my front teeth perilously
much
manently destroyed
of
shaken. Another, perhaps unique, use of shells
is
to
be found at a small ruined temple some 1500 m. up

the Caribbean shore
from the lighthouse
Celarain, the southern tip of
small temple
itself has, as a
Cozumel
at
Punta
Island.
The
use.
making was from
from the larger conchs {Strombus,
Pleuroploca, Turbinella, Busy con),
unknown
The
roof ornament, a perfect
Maya Lowlands
in the
great bulk of shell for jewelry
the larger conchs
and the Spondy-
Strombus costatus (74), Busycon contrarium
lus:
(1), Pleuroploca gigantea (4), Turbinella angulata
Vasum muricatum
(3),
canus (39).
number
(1),
and Spondylus ameri-
should be noted that a considerable
It
of smaller conch fragments
and most of the
finished jewelry of white shell could not be identified
and are therefore not included
surely even to genus,
in the present tabulations.
Most of
was
this material
probably S. costatus. Spondylus, on the other hand,

is
more completely
even small fragments
listed, as
of the shell can be recognized from
we
qualities. Finally,
of the
a
worked
should re-emphasize that
all
from Dzibilchaltun forms but
shell
very small fraction
recovered at the
cameo-like
its
(14 per cent) of the
total
site.
diminutive temple some 50 cm. high with a rounded
and facing the four
spire atop. Set into the spire,
directions, are four vertical series of

pets of varying sizes
perhaps the
wind-vane with
built-in sound.
Use of Shell
Raw Material
Strombus trumearliest
recorded
Use of Molluscs
Molluscs,
collected
as
Food
when used
for food,
usually be
will
from the nearest available shore. They
will
not normally be transported over any considerable

as
At Dzibilchaltun,
used for
making
area from their point of collection, and the shells
several species of molluscs
were
jewelry and a very few utilitarian
which the
artifacts, in all of
shell
form had been
would normally be
familiar coastal
left
on the beach
to
form the
middens (a 5-pound conch would
not be carried far inland for
its
half-pound of edible
Again, detailed discussion
meat). But inlanders under dietary need will go to
and comparative study are considered more appro-
unbelievable lengths to enjoy products of the sea.
almost or entirely
priate to
and
lost.
our separate report on
artifacts of the site,
will be presented there. 5
The 169 fragments
When
was surveying the upper Candelaria drain-
age along the Guatemala frontier in 193839, one
of identified
altered
shell
ate well in the area
if
he had a gun
When
and most people
represented 8 species of pelecypods, 7 of gastropods.
had, and used
Fine flakes of Atrina (1), Isognomon (31), and
and peccary were
Pinctada (1) were mostly found in caches contain-
delight for us), the natives
ing other materials such as jade and pyrites, and
had only come
were probably used, or intended
been flavored with cazon (the baby hammerhead
for use, in mosaics.
it.
available as
week
only wild turkey, venison,
meat (which was
would lament
earlier or later,
it
that
if
we
would have
We
Five smaller pelecypods were used in altered form
shark so traditionally dear to Campechanos).
Chione (1), Dinocardium (1), Dosinia

(1), and Mercenaria (2). Two small gastropods
were given special uses: Conus spurius atlanticus
suffered
local
(6) was used to cut out small triangular pendants,
fied
when the occasional muladas

down with 5 10-day-old, liquishark (which we could smell many hours before
probably
the
mulada
as pendants:
retaining
the
shell's
original
attractive
coloration. Horizontal sections of Oliva reticularis
(3) were cut to
make
corkscrew-like artifacts of
little,
but did have a rough time adjusting to
gourmets'
would
arrived,
direction). This
with
tastes
arrive loaded
all
if
would
tortillas,
the
wind were
in the right
then, with gusto, be
soups, or the
otherwise would have been so
merged
meat dishes which
tasty. I
cannot believe
that the choice, by a people otherwise discriminating,

5
Techniques of manufacture are well described in Fewkes,

1883. An excellent survey of Mesoamerican shell artifacts may
be found in Kidder, Jennings, and Shook, 1946, pp. 145-52.
could have been other than purely gustatory.
one considers trade from the

factors
must be considered.
sea,
When
such irrational
Discussion
The
57
Cancun Midden
Isla
radiocarbon at 250 B.C.
animal and
shell, turtle,
Only
few
Forma-
a sealed Late
human
debris dated by
It consists
of a mixture of
(Chicanel) deposit of
tive
is
fish bones, pottery
shell artifacts occurred,
and
this
the
is
taste
gastropod from which they are misnamed.
Such
Maya
Table
but
ISLA
area.
MARINE
Entire
Species
Calliostoma jujubinum
over the
last
to
acts as a
2000
gauge of possible faunal change
years.
This can then be extended
our appraisal of the inland
sites,
where the
shells
formed the
largely have
basis of value.
Whatever
were
clearly
occurred in the Cancun Midden
collected
for
gastronomic purposes,
either for the local settlement or for possible trade
of the
meat
to the interior.
We,
of course, have
no
evidence of the latter possibility.
Our
First,
tabulations are very surprising, at least to me.
comparison between the midden collections
and those taken on the present-day shore show no
Astraea phoebia
t.
americana
Nerita peloronta
Nerita versicolor
it is
clear that the ancients' appetite
must have been voracious: 99 species

are found in the midden, comprising not only the
but a variety of other minor
which we,
molluscs, often scavengers
modern works on
after reading
would have
the subject,
consid-
ered totally inedible. Apparently, the ancients took
whatever molluscan fauna was available

it
for food
about.
and used
and presumably knew what they were
Where we were
able to find molluscs
present beaches which were not on the
midden, each appeared
to be a rarity
menu
on the
in the
which had not
occurred in our archaeological sample. Table 3 sum-
marizes what was eaten at
Isla
Cancun.
In present times, most of the larger conchs, Strombus, Pleuroploca,
Cassis,
and Turbinella,
are not
only eaten by coast-dwellers, but shipped inland
(without shell) where transportation

larger inland
cities,
is
available, to
where they are prepared
in
escabeche as cocktails or soups which" are considered

as choice "regional" dishes.
tinas of
One
cannot
Chetumal without sampling
visit
the can-
this specialty.
Pleuroploca and Turbinella, by the way, because of
"Concha"
20
30
96
66
1
Echininus nodulosus
Tectarius muricatus
10
II
Petaloconchus irregularis
Planaxis nucleus
Cerithium eburneum
Cerithium literattum
Crucibulum auriculum
Crepidula fornicata
costatus
gigas
pugilis
raninus
81
353
412
1518
5i
6
25
Cyphoma gibbosum
Polinices hepaticus
Polinices lacteus
493
1871
1
57
4
14
10
39
1
1
9
6
17
19
36
Cypraecassis testiculus
11
Charonia variegata
Phalium granulatum
Cassis tuberosa
Cymatium femorale
Cymatium pileare
Tonna galea
Tonna maculosa
Ficus communis
Murex pomum
Purpura patula
Thais deltoidea
Thais rustica
Cantharus auritulus
Melongena corona
Melongena melongena
Busycon coarctatum
Busycon contrarium
Busycon spiratum
Fasciolaria hunteria
Fasciolaria tulipa
the darker color of the meat are called not
tasty larger conchs,
elapsed. Second,
15
Cypraea cervus
Cypraea cinerea
Cypraea zebra
fauna over the 22 centuries which have
364
Littorina ziczac
for seafood
in
219
Astraea caelata
Strombus
Strombus
Strombus
Strombus
change
145
Nerita tessellata
shells
Total
Cittarium pica
Astraea
and not the animals must
Fragments
GASTROPODA
Maya utilization of local fauna for subsistence. And,

as we have quite thoroughly collected the modern
it
MOLLUSCS FROM
ROO, MEXICO
CANCUN MIDDEN, QUINT ANA
It,
therefore, gives us a hitherto unavailable insight into
beaches,
they resemble the Pacific
ash.
asset of archaeology,
be excavated in the
first to
"AbulonT In
and the remains
are clearly kitchen refuse of a small population.
middens are an invaluable
but
4
2
1
4
2
1
258
297
555
1
219
362
4
581
11
*9
389
70
478
84
89
14
MoLLUSCA
58
Table
and much of the west coast abound in mussels. Probably many species are used. Most popular are the
Continued
Entire
Species
Fragments
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
IN
Total
"Ribbed Mussels," here Modiolus demissus granoTurbinella angulata
Vasum muricatum
Oliva caribaeensis
Oliva reticularis
96
39
57
sissimus,
14
IOI
14
106
which are harvested
in great quantities in
(mangrove swamps) near Progreso
the manglares
and Dzilam Bravo, and probably elsewhere.
Oliva sayana
Olivella dealbata
Olivella nivea
Mitra florida
Prunum a. virgineum
Prunum guttatum
Conus mus
diminutive but very tasty race
from beds
Conus regius
Conus sozoni
Melampus cofTeus
Several varieties of oyster are available year-round
we
l628
in the
the specialty
1022
1022
4445
6073
Anadara
notabilis
6
5
5
1
38
19
40
Isogomon alatus
Isogomon radiatus
Pinctada radiata
restaurant or
75
36
Lima lima
Lima scabra
street-stand
a 14-oz. glass half-filled
is
the
is
with baby
a beautiful, nacreous shell, with
most unattractive
when
mal,
boiled,
consumed by
peninsula.
snail in residence.
is
makes
conchs, and
much
But
this ani-
than the larger
tastier
broth, frequently
a delightful
natives of the Caribbean coast of the
am
same
told that the
true of
is
many
other intertidal species, notably the Nerites.
Both ancients and moderns (among the
latter
Campeche) have been devoted
eaters
Pecten laurenti
Lyropecten nodosus
Campeche,
now come from Champoton.
Cittarium pica
18
Glycymeris decussata
Glycymeris undata
supplied mostly
sized but tasty baby oysters (Ostrea frons ?). Both
Area zebra
now
shrimp (immaculately cleaned) capped with dime-
PELECYPODA
7
6
the oyster
is
Laguna de Terminos, but found on
in
these delicacies
Area imbricata
Most popular
eat in the north, Crassostrea virginica, here a
"Campechanito,"
sp.
Subtotals:
in the smaller pueblos.
the entire periphery of the peninsula. In
Unidentified fragments,
mostly Strombus
and are ever-present
in the peninsular restaurants,
6
I
particularly in
of the species of Pomacea, choice,
common
snails,
archaeological
in
Dzibilchaltun and
Mayapan
fat,
freshwater
deposits
from
in the north to Bar-
Ostraea equestris
Ostraea frons
ton Ramie, Uaxactun, and Piedras Negras in the
south.
Lucina pensylvanica
Codakia orbicularis
7
8
Chama florida
Chama macerophylla
Chama sarda
Chama sinuosa
snails, called
13
37
38
47
1
Antigona listeri
Antigona rigida
50
2
2
1
at the
4
52
14
48
18
Tellina radiata
100
Arcopagia fausta
340
1968
134
474
6547
time he wrote
tion) has noted
the
of
New
99
species
Totals:
4579
what may be
World. In the cenote
unique practice in
at
Kaua, 18 km.
not seen, but from description
and lime
picnic
year,
Many other molluscs are eaten as delicacies today.

The mangrove swamps of the north-coast cienaga
Vasquez (verbal informa-
a large freshwater gastropod
identified
as
by
Pomacea)
visitors,
Honduras
in British
and they probably are today.
Chichen Itza on the modern highway
specialty
Subtotals:
181) notes that these
hute [jute] in Spanish, hooties in creole,
Prof. Alfredo Barrera
lid,
listeri
p.
were eaten in large quantities
1
1
Dosinia elegans
Thompson (1939,
ated.
in excavations (to
1964), their archaeological context not yet evalu-
Pseudochama radians
Trachycardium magnum
Tellina
At Tikal, 195 were found
is
to Vallado-
(which we have
may
probably be
eaten as a
who come equipped
regional
with
juice as well as natatory intentions,
on the raw
when
snails.
At
east
salt
and
certain times of the
the molluscs are loaded with brilliant
red eggs, these are carefully separated, spread at the

water's edge in zones
where they are assiduously
Discussion
59
protected to assure the permanence of this culinary

attraction.
Excavations
Belize
the
in
River
have
Valley
furnished evidence that other freshwater molluscs
were an important source of food
in ancient times:
765 specimens of the clam Nephronaias ortmanni,
and
805
univalves
glaphyrus and
the
of
largillierti
Pachychilus
species
were found
in the trenches.
Although a few examples of each of these were

throughout the stratigraphy, the heavy
scattered
preponderance was in the Formative phases, after
which
either the supply diminished or the culinary
interest
dwindled. At Barton Ramie, over 100 land
snails of the
genus Bulimulus were found. Examina-
tion of the archaeological context of each specimen
showed
that, again,
most of them were deposited
during the Formative phases, which would indicate

that they
were intentionally
collected
and probably
used as food. However, with the exception of the

large Pomaceas,
no freshwater molluscs, univalve
known
or bivalve, are
area today.
do today, we
left
food and
delicacies, as they
pointed out above that the shells were
on
the shore in most cases
when
the
animals were, shipped any distance inland. So that

near to the sea as Dzibilchaltun,
at a site as
catalogues of archaeological shell offer
little
if
any
gauge of the extent or variety of use of marine

molluscs as food.
find in the ruins
Some
of the larger specimens
substitute for the gourds used today

in ancient times. It has also
were used
The
great quantity of shell
was probably brought
we
in for other
when certain categories of shell

common, and where other uses seem
is
hard
to escape the
conclusion that molluscs were brought from the sea
shells,
493 valves or fragments of cocklemostly the largest species, Dinocardium r.

as
chaltun).
Food seems
the only logical use,
and these
animals are large and eminently edible.
The genera Melongena (361) and Ficus (96)

seem another case in point. Not a single worked fregment has been found, nor can
It
may
be significant that the mass of species men-
tioned thus far are found in Formative deposits.
On
the other hand,
these
if
brought from
were
we
problem
face the
of the striking absence of shells of other species
which we can be almost
No
Crassostrea virginica are

five
in
certain were used for food.
adult oyster shell appeared, but Ostrea frons and
common on
the shore.
Only
mussel valves appeared (two Formative, three
an Early period cache). The very numerous larger

(Strombus, Busycon, Pleuroploca,
conchs
Turbi-
nella) can be well accounted for ty the variety of
commercial uses
again
to
which the
shell
was
put.
But here
should be noted that the great bulk of these
it
shells
were found
in
Formative deposits,
and jewelry are
shell artifacts
relatively scarce.
At Dzibilchaltun, we
shall risk
number
of clams
brought from the sea in their
to serve
and
snails
seem
to
were
Formative
have decreed
on the beach unless they
some purpose
life
what may be
shells in the
period. Later, efficiency experts
commercial
p. 17),
suggest any use other
than food for these small, thin-walled gastropods.
were
Teobert Maler (190103,
evi-
at Dzibil-
that shells should be left
Formative).
made
dence that any pottery was actually
rash guess that a
in their shells to be eaten.
utility
appear in such great quantities (we have no
where manufactured
it
unslipped
used for such a purpose, they would not
if
are exceedingly
be completely ruled out,
and probably
jars (or the preslip incised jars of the
But
a sorry
been suggested that they
to striate the surface of
larger
As many
might have been used
would have made
as cups or dippers, but
purposes. However,
to
frag-
showed any sign of working.
the sea in the shell for eating,
drew
can be sure that the ancients
heavily on the sea for
even
Only one
littered the site.
hole for suspension)
to be used for food in the
Whereas we
probably
vanhyningi (419),
ment (a fragment of ventral margin with a drilled
in the ceremonial or
of the inland city.
during his explorations
of the Chancala River in the Peten, noted that "all the streams
Xot ... of
Vasquez has suggested (verbally)
that this word is probably X-hot in Maya {hot in various
dictionaries means an object with face or head down and rear
parts elevated, which would fit well with these animals) and
that this may be the Maya derivation of the words jute and
are filled with edible snails (Melania levissima
the Mayas)." Prof. Barrera
hootie above. This
may have been
a generic
name
for fresh-
water univalves (see notes by Moholy-Nagy on p. 32).
7 Euell
Gibbons (1964) has published an
interesting,
if
necessarily very incomplete, account of the edible molluscs,
including, for the gourmet, suggestions on
may
be
tastily
prepared.
how many
of
them

from the East Coast; and there was no hint of trade
Molluscs, particularly marine molluscs, as well as

Maya
in archaeological excavations in the
What began
as a brief listing of the
trade.
re-
covered at Dzibilchaltun, was expanded to include

the
also
at
unpublished material from our excava-
tions at the Late
Formative midden
Quintana Roo, and
from the lowland
material
published
resulting checklist of
area.
some 15,000 specimens
to
The
of
less
lar Atlantic cousins
logical shell
than existed before. Photographs
Negras
species,
most of
we have
and possibly
tance of mollusca and marine
is
results of these considerations
the archaeo-
all
Pacific origin, despite the prox-
Even
at Piedras
north corner of the Peten, Pacific
prominent. More interesting
is
their Atlantic shell not
from the nearby
to
which we are not otherwise aware. Despite
so heavily
evidenced
direction, even
Maya.
that salt
have been of
at
Dzibilchaltun,
though we have
which
we have no
inferential evidence
from the north may have been
factor of
balance.
Table
a significant
summarizes the geo-
graphical distribution of archaeological and
interest.
Ecologically, the peninsular littoral falls into four
and merges
the fact
hint of marine molluscs being traded in the reverse
considered
the early
life to
is
nearer,
the northward flow of Peten trade pottery,
species,
and commercial impor-
the ceremonial, aesthetic,
Some
trade of
significant chronological variations in
we have
was of
much
Gulf of Mexico. This might imply ethnic barriers
which might be inferred
archaeological usage. Finally
could be obtained
Caribbean but from the considerably more distant
considered the marine ecology of the area, possible
from the geographic distribution of ancient
number
that the central Peten sites appear to have imported
monograph.
aspects of ancient trade
including the
was imported from
farther south, nearly
at the
influence
checklist forms the bulk of
In brief sections following the checklist,
shell,
imity of the Gulf of Honduras.
with better-preserved modern counterparts where
the present
of the
impressive Pacific species whose very simi-
still
The
Much
the distant Pacific. But imports included a
of 192
At Copan,
considered useful.
were deeply
which probably made
treasured Spondylus princeps,
modern fauna now in preparation, which, if

incomplete, offers more precise grounds for spemost of the archaeological
which were
sites,
sea coast,
trade routes
shell.
of the
are included of
central Peten
some distance from any
terms of
species from 19 sites includes modern distributions

for most. These have been drawn from a larger study
cific identifications
sites,
excellent sense in general merchandise but not in
add other previously
finally to
However, the
committed
Cancun,
at Isla
Belize Valley
near the coast, followed the same pattern of local
lowlands.
specimens
The
in shells with the south.
are surprisingly frequent
life,
modern
species,
what would seem
Table 2 summarizes the occurrence of 73 mol-
of the molluscan fauna
luscan species in the various periods of history at
many of the
habitat. Making
Dzibilchaltun. Molluscan remains in Formative con-
the generally accepted assumption that no significant
period and the Florescent. Although there was surely
distinct zones,
to be a fifth (fig. 2).
extends through
all
Much
into
of these zones, but
species are quite restricted in their
faunal change has
come about during
the last
from those of the Early
text are strikingly different
2000
no change
in the fauna available for use, the corn-
years (confirmed by the identity of our pre-Christian
monest
and present-day
Cancun), we
absent in later times, probably because of a change
should then be in a position to predict roughly
in dietary habits. Increasing frequencies of certain
where archaeological specimens of the
species in the later periods
species
collections
at
Isla
were collected on the
enough of
coast.
these to give at least
restricted
There were
some strong
sites
Formative deposits are virtually
may
brief
examination was
forms of marine
utilized almost en-
life.
We
made
of the evidence
found that
the malacofauna of the neighboring north
definite religious connotation
coast.
tures, ceramics,
shells
an increase in
for ritual or votive significance of shells
tirely
handful of
reflect
the manufacture of jewelry and ornaments,
hints
regarding pre-Columbian trade.
The northern Yucatan
species in
were probably brought
60
and other
shells
documented
and the codices
as far
had
in sculp-
back
at least

Phase
as
61
of the Early period. Shells occur fre-
quently (but by no means always) in tombs, caches,
and other
Here they
offerings.
are often (but again
not always) associated with other forms of

the sea, to the extent that
we
feel the shells
life
from
have
lost
symbolic identity as such and have become
specific
part of a larger configuration of association with the
which was remarkably deep seated
sea
and
at
This would be simple
ritual practice.
as close to
sites
pendent on the sea
as Dzibilchaltun. It
importance.
either
aesthetic
commonest
effort to
life
clear
first
picture of
faunal environment.
shell
Isla
Cancun, Q.R., has given
Maya
The midden
and pottery mixed with
turtle, fish, birds,
and animals.
that these remains
were
by the ancients. Table
ash,
utilization of
consists mostly of
and the bones of
We can
summarizes the molluscan
shellfish
among them
were eaten
very
forms were used, without apparent
raw material
in the
which according
at the latter site,
seem
manufacture of
to
creasing
many
molluscs such as Melongena
have been eliminated from the
number
of
at
Dzibilchaltun
is
so
small that such industry cannot be considered a significant factor in the
enormous
total
accumulations
Detailed analysis and comparative
study of the worked material have been reserved for
de-
shells
of the larger conchs in Early period and Florescent
may
well indicate an increasing economic
practice of leaving the heavy shells
worked material recovered
diet.
Dinocardium valves and
ment of species for these purposes. But the amount
site.
prominently
to
deposits
of shell at the
all
such carrion-eaters as the Melongenas,
jewelry and artifacts reveals the use of a large assort-
of
be quite sure
of animals actually eaten
remains, with surprising implications. Virtually

collectible
the
wise unable to explain. After the Formative period
votive offer-
short examination of the use of shells as ornaas
the
midden on
Late Forma-
monetary considerations. The
many
practical
choose tasteful specimens.
ments and
tive kitchen
briefly inhabited
for
that the
little
were probably not chosen
life
or
diffi-
and Uaxactun,
have been of
was noted
ings of marine
more
de-
Excavation of the
artifacts.
modern texts are quite inedible.

This probably clears up the mystery of large masses
of raw shell at Dzibilchaltun, which we were other-
sea could
It
is
art
to explain
and possibly economically
cult at sites far inland such as Tikal
where the
Maya
in
our separate publication on Dzibilchaltun
on the beaches
where the animals were taken. Freshwater molluscs

of several species
seem
to
have replaced marine mol-
luscs as food at the sites farther inland, as they
today.
do
Plates i 21
Specimen numbers preceded by
are Dzibilchaltun archaeological lot
numbers; those
Cancun archaeological lot numbers; simple numerals are Tulane

University catalogue numbers of modern specimens. Precise data on stratigraphical associa-
preceded by
are Isla
tion of archaeological shells
Middle American Research
and provenience
Institute,
of
modern specimens
Tulane University.
Archaeological shells are designated by single lowercase
double lowercase
letters.
are available at the
letters;
modern specimens, by
MOLLUSCA
64
FISSURELLIDAE,
b.
TROCHIDAE, TURBINIDAE
Fissurella barbadensis Gmelin (M 200).
Diodora cayenensis Lamarck (M 101).
c.
Calliostoma jujubintim Gmelin
d.
Cittarium pica Linne
Pl.
a.
IN
e.
Astraea caelata Gmelin
f.
Astraea phoebia Roding
g.
Astraea tecta
(Actual size)
(Q 500),
(M 567), dd
cc (2726).
(7286). Both juveniles.
(Q 502), ee (5044).
(Q 500), ff (2710).
americana Gmelin (Q 500).
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
66
Pl.
2 NERITIDAE,
LITTORINIDAE
aa,aa'.
Nerita fulgurans Gmelin (5244, 5277).
b,b'.
Nerita tessellata Gmelin
c.
Nerita peloronta Linne
(M 720, Q 500).
(Q 500), cc (4815).
Gmelin (Q 501), dd (7287).
d.
Nerita versicolor
e.
Neritina virginea Linne
f.
Nodilittorina tubercidata
g,g'.
Echinimis tiodtdosus
h.
Littorina ziczac
i,i'.
Tectarins muricatus Linne
(Actual size)
(M 825),
ee
(4498).
Gmelin (Q 500),
Pie'iffer
ff
(Q 501).
Gmelin (Q 502), hh (4505).
(Q 502).
(1293).
IN
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
68
Pl. 3
VERMETIDAE,
(Q 500).
(Q 500), bb (4759).
Petaloconclms irregularis d'Orbigny
b.
Planaxis nucleus Bruguiere
ee.
Vermicularia spirata Philippi (M 239 B), cc (2142).

Cerithium eburneum Bruguiere (M 936), dd (2981).
Cerithium floridanum Morch (201).
c.
(Q 500).
f.
Cerithium literattum Born
g.
Crepidula fornicata Linne
hh.
Crepidula aculeata Gmelin (7288).
i.
j,j'.
k.
1,1'.
(Actual size)
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
TURRITELLIDAE, PLANAXIDAE, CERITHIIDAE,

CALYPTRAEIDAE, NATICIDAE
a.
d.
IN
(M 239 B), gg
(4068).
Crucibidum auriculum Gmelin (Q 503), ii (929).

Polinices duplicatus Say (5812, 5817).
Polinices lacteus Guilding (Q 500), kk (6650).
Polinices hepaticus Roding (Q 504, Q 500).
MoLLUSCA
70
Pl.
STROMBIDAE
a.
b.
c.
d.
(Scale 1/2)
Strombus gigas Linne (Q 500), aa (1022).

Strombus costatus Gmelin (M 239 B).
Strombus pugilis Linne (Q 500).
Strombus raninus Gmelin (Q 502).
IN
THE MaYA LOWLANDS
Mollusca
y2
Pl. 5
CYPRAEIDAE,
OVULIDAE
a.
Cypraea cervus Linne
b.
Cyphoma
c.
d.
(Actual size)
(M437),
gibbostim Linne
aa (6268).
(Q 500), bb (2673).
Cypraea zebra Linne (Q 500), cc (6017).

Cypraea cinerea Gmelin (Q-500), dd (6975).
in
the Maya Lowlands
MoLLUSCA
74
Pl.
cassididae
and miscellaneous small gastropods
Phalium inflatum Shaw (M-825), aa (3865).

Phalium granulatum Born (Q 504), bb (3700).
Cypraecassis testiculus Linne (Q 504), cc (7289).
Morum oniscus Linne (6982, 4561).
Columbella mercatoria Linne (Q 500).
a.
b.
c.
dd,dd'.
e.
hh.
Nassarius vibex Say (696).

Cantharus aurituluslAvik (Q 501).
Cancellaria reticulata Linne (6584).
i.
Melampus
jj.
Natica canrena Linne (6283).
ff.
g.
(Actual size)
IN
coffeus Linne
(Q-502),
ii
(7290).
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
9*
M
vâfl
Êi
Efl
M^jferraSSl
^^F
^^F
^^B
^2B
19
ub
'
1|rV
n
1
'-
MOLLUSCA
-j6
Pl. 7
cymatiidae,
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
(Scale 1/2)
tonnidae, ficidae
Charonia variegata Lamarck
(Q 502).
Cymatium jemorale Linne (Q 504), bb (4573).

Cymatium parthenopeum von Salis (M 101), cc (6571).
Cymatium pile'are Linne (Q 504), dd (4573).
Tonna maculosa Dillwyn (Q 501), ee (6099).
Tonna galea Linne (M 615), ff (3601).
Ficus com munis Roding (M 825).
IN
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
MoLLUSCA
78
Pl.
IN
THE MaYA LOWLANDS
8 MURICIDAE
a.
b.
cc.
d.
e.
if.
(Actual size)
Murex fulvescens Sowerby (Chichen Itza), aa modern,

Murex pomum Gmelin (Q 501), bb (7015).
Murex dilectus A. Adams (3897).
Thais rustica Lamarck (Q-501), dd (3633).
Purpura patula Linne (Q 500).
Thais deltoidea Lamarck (6683).
Florida, U.S.A.
MOLLUSCA
80
Pl. 9
MELONGENIDAE
a.
b.
c.
d.
(Scale 1/2)
Busycon contrarium Conrad (Q 500), aa (5080).

Busycon perversum Linne (M 720), bb (5835).
Busycon coarctation Sowerby (Q 500), cc (2281).

Busycon spiratum Lamarck (M-1567-A-9), dd (2086).
IN
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
82
melongenidae,
a, a'.
fasciolariidae
Melongena melongena Linne (M 1002, M 824).
b,b'.
Melongena corona Gmelin (Q 501,
c.
Fasciolaria hunteria Perry
d.
Fasciolaria talipa Linne
Pl.
io
(Actual size)
(Q 504),
M 999).
(6578).
(4208).
cc
(M 544), dd
IN
THE MaYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
84
Pl.
1 1
MISCELLANEOUS
IN THE
LARGE GASTROPODS
immature specimen (Q 504).
a.
Cassis tuberosa Linne,
b.
Vasciolaria tulipa Linne, unusually large, specimens average less than half this size
c.
Vasum muricatum Born (Q 504).
d.
Pleuroploca gigantea Kiener, half-grown specimen
e.
Turbinella angulata Solander, half-grown specimen
(Scale 1/2)
MAYA LOWLANDS
(Q 500).
(Q 500).
(Q 500).
MoLLUSCA
86
Pl.
IN
12 OLIVIDAE, CONIDAE
a.
Oliva caribaeensis Dall and Simpson
b.
Oliva sayana Ravenel (Q-500), bb (5625).
c.
Oliva reticularis
d.
Olivella nivea
e.
Olivella dealbata Reeve (Q 504).

Prunitm labiatum Valenciennes (M 562).
Prunitm guttatum Dillwyn (Q 504).
Prunum apicinum virgineum Joussaume (M 105).
Conus spurius atlanticus Clench (M 720), ii (6827).
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
1.
m.
(Actual size)
Conns
Conus
Conus
Conus
Lamarck (Q 504),
Gmelin (Q 502).
(Q 502),
cc
(3480).
Gmelin (Q 500), jj (7228).

Gabb (M 431), kk (6597).
mus Hwass (Q-504), 11 (2960).
regius
floridanus
sozoni Bartsch
(Q 500).
aa (3693).
THE MaYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
88
Pl.
13 ARCIDAE, GLYCYMERIDAE
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
gg,gg'.
h.
(Actual size)
Area imbricata Bruguiere (Q 500), aa (7291).

Area zebra Swainson (M 138), bb (7292).
Anadara notabilis Roding (Q 500), cc (6603).
Anadara transversa Say (M-1669), dd (6604).
Noetia ponderosa Say (M 720), ee (5876).
Glyeymeris decussata Linne (Q 503).
Lunarca ovalis Bruguiere (5464, 5875).
Glyeymeris undata Linne (Q 504).
IN
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
00
mytilidae,
c.
isognomonidae, pteriidae
Modiolus demissus granosissimus Sowerby (M 720), aa
Brachidontes exiistas Linnc (M 239 B), bb (3015).
Isognomon alatus Gmelin (M 539), cc (4279).
d.
Isognomon radiatus Anton (Q 500), dd (4421).
e.
Pinctada radiata Leach
f.
Pteria
Pl.
a.
b.
14
IN
(Actual size)
(M 204), ee (2657).
colymbus Roding (M-5 7i),f(i8i2).
(3966).
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
92
Pl.
15 PINN1DAE,
PLICATULIDAE, PECTINIDAE, SPONDYLIDAE,

LIMIDAE, ANOMIIDAE, CARDITIDAE
c.
Atrina seminnda Lamarck (M 720), aa (7293).

Aequipecten gibbus Linne (6932).
Aequipecten muscosus Wood (M 2007).
d.
Lyropecten nodosus Linne, juvenile,
e.
PlicatulagibbosaLa.ma.rck
a.
bb.
(Q 502), dd (6314).
(M 101).
i.
Spondylus americanus Hermann (both Q 502).

Lima lima Linne (2628).
Lima scabra Born (Q 501), hh (7294).
Anomia simplex d'Orbigny (M 310).
j,j'.
Carditamera floridana Conrad
f,P.
gg.
h.
(Actual size)
IN
(M 433, M624).
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
MoLLUSCA
94
Pl. 16
ostreidae,
corbiculiidae, lucinidae
a.
Ostrea equestris Say
(Q 500).
bb.
Gmelin (5033).
c.
Ostrea frons Linne (Q-504), cc (7295).
d.
e.
f.
g.
IN
Pseudocyrena floridana Conrad (M 720), dd (150).

Lucina pensylvanica Linne (Q 502), ee (6124).
P'hacoides pectinatus Gmelin (Q 504).
Coda\ia orbicularis Linne (Q 504).
(Actual size)
THE MaYA LOWLANDS
MOLLUSCA
96
Pl.
IN
THE MAYA LOWLANDS
17 chamidae
a.
bb.
c.
d.
e,e\
{,{'.
(Actual size)
Chama macerophylla Gmelin (Q 501), aa (2427).

Chama congregata Conrad (4978).
Chama sarda Reeve (Q 502), cc (6133).
Chama florida Lamarck (Q 502), dd (6132).
Chama sinuosa Broderip (Q 502, Q 503). Both specimens
Pseudochama radians Lamarck (Q 501, Q 502).
illustrated are
upper valves.
'
l^^^^^^^îl
&k
-'*"
"'Cv'-i'-T'
;
^"As"T'
7^
-'
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"
JUS FTP1
'v-F
'
a\
.'iVi'i'i^
^h1
'r
IH
aim
in
Bm r
_^hhh
t<
>7
'
^H
^H
'
.t*
fV*/''Wri^ *
<?
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^^"M .!*?v bb9
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^^'i-* '-a^^
**"**
'=-''V*''
f"
M^v^'bV^
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Mi
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'
'-^. jh? '"1
bbbbbbbbbM
~&3^
H f^y BBW
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fc
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-
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BBBB
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ll
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..'
^HH
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BB BBBBBBfl
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^^BBBBB
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v^'.-^06v -'^ Bit"- S L
'-,-<^r^
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i bbv^^^^^^bI
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WW*
W *w
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'
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,'.
'
IbbK
f"-'
.^HH
^h1
",
--
'
:f:.,
W
J
Hv .wBS*- v>Si' HI
'
BJ
at
HnHHffi^^
oj *'i,&^-
bbT
;>
*W
BBH
B"
BB
--î;^
I/bbt
HbbI
ri'-Jf
v, '-^>r^;-
V^F
_^b1
'
bV^^bbbI
EbbbhbbbmkbtcIi
hS
Bar
bbf
,V..'- ;
-<'*".'
F'Alkv
'
_.
!^)Hh^h
^^^^^^
:
A^^
'HW
bbkbbmI
"-.."? :.
2-r
^bt*
.Hi
'
I 1
Hi
AHi m.
A
M
BL
^fl
>Ct
BW
^^^^
^
*
kJ
/J
'-
bT
wJ
9
j^
/>
>m>
KSL^
^wJ
B"
BL
(*
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-- b#
'
,;
'
Bbbbbs-
'
A^BHHBBflL^
'^BBHBBl
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,;
N*
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^J
^B
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on
^BBBBBBfl
^BflHBflfl
MOLLUSCA IN THE MAYA LOWLANDS
C)8
Pl. 18
CARDIIDAE
a.
b.
c.
d.
(Actual size)
Trachycardium isocardia Linne (M 313), aa (4150).

Trachycardium muricatum Linne (M 220), bb (7203).
Trachycardium magnum Linne (Q 502), cc (4985).
Dinocardium robustum vanhyningi Clench and Smith (M 562A), dd (7296).
ioo
Mollusca
Pl. 19
VENERIDAE
Gray (Q 503), aa (979).
a.
Antigona
b.
Antigona rigidaDiUwyn (Q 500).
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
(Actual size)
listen
(M 572), cc (5957).
(M 101).
Anomalocardia cuneimeris Conrad (M 825).
Dosinia elegans Conrad (M 332).
Macrocallista maculata Linne (M 243), gg (1374).
Mercenaria campechiensis Gmelin
C hione
cancellata
Linne
in
the Maya Lowlands
Mollusca
102
Pl.
20
tellinidae,
a.
b,b'.
c.
d.
ee.
ff,ff.
(Actual size)
mactridae
Tellina radiata Linne
(Q 503),
aa (7297).
Roding (Q 500, Q 503).

Tellina lineata Turton (M 720), cc (6951).
Arcopagia fdusta Pulteney (Q 501), dd (6391).
Tellina listen
Apolymetis intastriata Say (4734).

lateralis Say (5525,7298).
Mulinia
in
the Maya Lowlands
104
Pl. 2
MISCELLANEOUS
aa.
b.
c.
dd.
ee.
GASTROPODS AND PELECYPODS
Diodora listen d'Orbigny ( 1 5 69)

Mitra florida Gould (Q-501), bb (7594).
Pecten latirenti Gmelin (Q 504), cc (6434).
Murex rubidus Baker (6572).

Modulus modulus Linne (6460).
Adams (1502).
calamitarum Morelet (M 720).
ff.
Bulla occidentalis C. B.
g.
Nephronaias
h.
Pomacea
(Actual size)
aff.
flagellata arata Crosse
and
Fischer.
APPENDIX
Archaeological Occurrences of Other
Marine Invertebrates
At Dzibilchaltun and elsewhere,
number
of
have been found in some
life
abundance. These are
listed
below, with comments.
COP AN:
lumps
in Full Classic stela cache
year, 1952, p. 51).
TIKAL: Moholy-Nagy (M-MS)

ments of
checklist.
ranged by age or context. However,
DZIBILCHALTUN:
who
also
Corals were kindly identified
fossil.
frequently very rich in
is
Limestone
their matrix.
corals.
fossil
were normally
Fossil specimens encountered
removed from
Insti-
determined which of our specimens
were "modern" and which were

at the site
it is
clear
from
The
fill.
UAXACTUN:
eleven in two
RR,
p. 66;
16 specimens, one in Tzakol cache,
Tepeu
fill
(K,
p. 159, pi. 68,^).
3 fragments,
unknown
caches, one of
p. 60, fig.
Tepeu
caches, four in
PIEDRAS NEGRAS:
sic
They were probably
of stone used as architectural
monial.
entirely
obtained in the course of breaking up the enormous
amount
coral not yet identified by species or ar-
her earlier paper that the context was largely cere-
by Dr. Donald F. Squires, of the Smithsonian

tution,
over 200 frag-
lists
Abbreviations of references are those used in the
CORAL
(Long-
two
in
two Clas-
exact provenience (C,
52,^).
Comment: Dr.
Squires writes of the Dzibilchaltun
fol-
material:
lowing species were found:

"Several things struck
Colpophyllia
Montastrea
sp.:
i,
modern,
fill,
1,
modern,
in Late
Copo Complex
fossil,
fill;
two on
Solenastrea bournoni:
modern
in
modern, nine
many
coralla
had
called Montastrea, rather than Solen-
astrea,
which
2,
one
2, fossil,
Late Early period
fill;
fossil in
The
is
one
4,
Formative, one
modern, two
."
fig.
JOSE: "Coral
fill,
one
in
Pure
nature,"
Decadent
HATZCAP CEEL:
or Bryozoa. Several fragments
shall explain. In
This
is
solid,
is
slight,
two
while in Solen-
which
obscured in the process of recrystallization
vesicular.
is
a difference
is
am
occurring as a part of fossilization. Hence,
moved
to question all of the occurrences of
Mon-
tastrea
without the time-consuming operation of
preparation of thin-sections."
"(2) All of the corals noted here with the exception of Porites astreoides have been
pi-
XXXI,
16).
Gulf of Mexico, and even that species
tially
capable of floating.
paper on
this subject
able thing, as
is
astrea
is
poten-
enclose a separate of a
by Dr. Louis Kornicker and
[Kornicker and Squires, 1962]. This
is
a remark-
the consistent selection of Solenastrea
a potentially larger selection.
is
tolerably
common on
species of corals are
quoted
found floating
in the
from
Classic caches
piece, in cache (Satterthwaite,
by Coe, 1959, p. 60).
Montastrea the
easily
is
"All of the corals occur in the

2 pieces in
(Thompson, 1931, pp. 273-74,

1
corals
it
me
44,^).
in S.J. II or possibly III cache (T,,p. 181).
CARACOL:
two
astrea
Forma-
in
6 pieces "in tombs or in association
period (P, p. 387,
peritheca between the calices
Copo
Formative, one in
in
with objects of a ceremonial
coral in this collection.
difference between these
Florescent cache.
SAN
common
the
fill.
one in Late Early period
MAYAPAN:
of the older, possibly fossilized
Forma-
in
surface.
Copo Complex
Solenastrea sp.:
tive,
15,
fill;
three in Formative, one
three in Late Early period and one
Complex
completed the
(1)
but important as
tive,
as
fill.
Solenastrea hyades: 4
in
me
listings:
one
fill.
Pontes, probably P. astreoides:

Early period
Cenote Xlacah.
three in Formative
sp.: 4, fossil,
in Late Early period
in
West
Indies. Solen-
reefs there.
But other
more common.
"There are known occurrences of windrows of

corals which Kornicker and I believe are accumula-
107
io8
Appendix
might be
tions of floating corals. It
were collecting from such
that your ancients
a selection,
and not from
There are obviously many other
a real reef suite.

possibilities."
As was
chaltun
Xlacah, obviously as offerings. After storms, beautiful
specimens of the sea fan are found on nearby
beaches.
TIKAL: Numerous. At
the case with Mollusca, coral
seems
to
from Dzibil-
have been collected from the
skull in burial. Others
least
one placed under
were epiphytic
uncleaned
to
molluscs.
immediately adjacent coast rather than the more

distant reef areas,
where
strikingly beautiful speci-
mens could be found. Again,
with molluscs, no
as
care seems to have been taken to choose attractive
though
material, even
At Dzibilchaltun,
marine offerings
was
it
coral
for
fill
some other reason
to suggest.
is
more
At other
clear.
all
for
its
and caches. At Uaxactun
it is
it is
At Tikal
it
none
Ceel, Caracol,
in three caches
occurs in great abun-
dance in tombs and caches of the Early Classic

period, then
markedly diminishes during the Late
Classic. Classification
and
analysis of this very large
body of material should prove most informative.
R.
J.
Scolaro, of
Miami, wrote (personal communication) that
such gorgonians as would be found in a cenote
many
so
lost
that any classification
essential
characteristics
would be highly
conjectural,
even to generic or often family determination.
PEARLS
Pearls, nacreous concretions
found about foreign
particles inside the shells of a variety of molluscs,
were highly valued

today.
As they
are
they were probably
in ancient times as they
are
extremely
the
Tulane University: 16 multilami-
to
tropics,
much commoner
than recorded
would
and
archaeological frequency
indicate,
it
is
probable that archaeologists have often failed to

recognize their remains.
from
They have been reported
Maya
five sites in the
1,
lowlands:
pierced in offering at Caracol,
Pure Florescent (Ruppert, 1935,
Specimens identified by Dr.
vulnerable
and saturation of the
alternate desiccation
CHICHEN ITZA:
BRYOZOA
DZIBILCHALTUN:
Bayer, of the Univer-
search
found only in tombs
found
M.
Frederick
was found
ceremonial association
At Mayapan, Hatzcap
fill.
it
collection but have
sites its
Copan, and Piedras Negras
as well as in
other cases
We would be inclined to
or refuse.
other
Cenote Xlacah and in one
in the
cache, never in tombs. In

loose in
among
sity of
would have
locally available.
occurred
Comment: Dr.
pierced, in
of
fill
High
Priest's
p. 36, fig.
37).
2,
Grave; probably
Modified Florescent (E. H.Thompson, 1938,
p. 53).
nated colonies of Schizoporella floridana Osburn
were found,
six in
two Late Early period
caches,
nine in one Pure Florescent cache, and one in Florescent or later midden.
On
one of these was found a
small colony of Hippaliosina rostrigera Smitt. Dr.

Scolaro writes that these are
species
common
shallow-water
found in Gulf and Atlantic waters. These
gray, bleached specimens
would seem an unattractive
addition to ceremonial offerings, but he adds that
when
living they
TIKAL: Very
found.
were strikingly colored.

large
They have not
numbers
of
Bryozoa were
yet been classified or analyzed
in terms of context.
COPAN:
TIKAL: Moholy-Nagy (M-MS)
Gruning from Pusilha which conremoved from valve

pi.
XXI,
fig.
(1930, p. 483,
1). 4 were used in a
necklace from a tomb in Mound 4, illustrated by
Maudslay (1889-1902, vol. 1, pi. 21).
that described by
tained cut "blisters" of pearls
SAN
JOSE:
III-IV.
DZIBILCHALTUN:
3, pierced, in a
in cache, S.J.
14 examples found in Cenote
tomb, Transitional
V or close of IV.
S.J.
(T, p. 182).
Pearls were found in considerable quan-
apparently in large part as beads or pendants
in burial jewelry
GORGONIANS
one cache,
a considerable
number of soft sponge fragments, not yet classified.

At least some were epiphytic on other marine life.
in
all Full Classic (Longyear, 1952,

IIJ
figs. 94,^; IO 9,0- O ne was
a jewel
PP- 43,
box made of a pair of Spondylus valves, similar to
tities,
lists
and unpierced,
and two tombs,
TIKAL:
PORIFERA
11, pierced
UAXACTUN:
2,
(M-MS).
perforated as pendants in Tzakol
burial; 2 perforated as beads in
perforated, in
Tzakol
burial.
Tepeu
cache;
1,
un-
A fragment of "blister"
from which disks had been cut, probably for mosaic,

was found discarded in Tzakol fill (K, p. 66).
109
Appendix
Comment:
Pearls
come from
and vary tremendously
in
of molluscs
Most archaeoas
classified
baroques
form rather than purely spherical),
(irregular in
which would bring

market,
number
quality.
specimens would be
logical
little
They
were upon finding the pearls spoiled by the action
which was used
of fire
it
would appear
undamaged ones
attractive
Could
it
num-
are actually produced by a
mind
in the
However
had the same value

of the natives.
eyes of the natives of Nicaragua, pearls
from the
Pinna shells held as great a value as those from
of extraneous material into the mantel (the shell-
by the Spaniards?*
producing organ) of the animal. The molluscs which
the natives unfairly.
produce the most perfect pearls in the area under
the Spaniards
discussion are the so-called pearl oysters; in the Gulf
ingly sold
and Pinctada
shells.
not be quite probable, therefore, that in the
M.
and Caribbean, these are Pteria colymbus
open the
these specimens
ber of molluscs, afflicted by the intrusion of grains
of Mexico
to
as the
nacreous ornaments and were valued as such in

ancient times.
disappointed the early explorers
modern
or no price on the
which nevertheless made
but
how
chroniclers of
and that the
margaritifera,
distinction
was made
Oviedo would have accused
If so,
The same
could not be said of
who bought from them and know-
them by weight
to
the next Spanish
purchaser."
radiata; in the Pacific, these are re-
CIRRIPEDIA
placed by their cousins, Pteria sterna and Pinctada

mazatlanica. In the Gulf of California, the latter
have been depleted by pearl fishing (Keen,
species
I 95^,
58).
p.
Many
of inferior quality.
gigas, the largest
other genera produce pearls
Among
conch in
these are
Strombus
this part of the Atlantic
lit-
produces attractive but irregular pink pearls),
toral,
Turbinella, and other gastropods.
And among
edible oysters
the
com-
bivalves are the giant Tridacna, several of the
mon
(S.
and clams and members of the
family Pinnidae (the "Sea Pens," see p. 24 above).
Boekelman (1935, pp. 26162),
in evaluating
Oviedo's description of a pearl fishery in Nicaragua,

reaches
"A
some provocative conclusions:
rather
amusing point
is
well-known
shell
probably of the genus Balanus, were
specialist,
found
in a single
Late Early period cache. Certainly
some (which could be

ably
all
of these
and prob-
fitted into scars)
were removed from two large
Strombus costatus included
in the cache, but they
were scattered throughout the cache material. The

large conchs
were stripped of these and epiphytes
before interment.
TIKAL: Moholy-Nagy's preliminary summary (M-MS) lists more than 200 Balanus. It will be interesting to see
if
were
these
also epiphytic to larger
ECHINODERMS
sale or barter of the
from these Pinna molluscs.
It
is
produced by
fact that the pearls
32 barnacles, not identified
Mollusca in ceremonial offerings.
this
by no means can compare in their water to
those of the true pearl mollusc Meleagrina margari-
Oviedo explains that the natives (who ap-
tifera.
by a
brought out by Oviedo,
on page 617, regarding the

pearls secured
DZIBILCHALTUN:
parently fished for these shells primarily for food
BARTON RAMIE:
"About
fifty tiny
were made from either Dentalium
derm
at
spines (fig. 309,^).
both ends"
TIKAL:
(W,
p.
tubular beads
shell or echino-
They have been
cut
509).
echinoderm fragment,
context not yet specified
2 "sand dollars,"
(M MS).
purposes) did not discard the pearls found, and even
though
their quality
was not of the
best
but
according to Oviedo, at this time (1535)

sold and bartered here by weight
they
as pearls,
were
mixed
ones,
these inferior Pinna pearls with the better
and obliged the purchaser
whereupon the purchaser did
to
accept them,
same when
selling
"While Oviedo exclaims on the apparent
tricki-
the
in turn to the regular merchants.
ness of the natives as well as the Spanish purchasers,

I
wonder
if
he
is
entirely right in
drawing such con-
clusions, at least insofar as the Indians are concerned.
To mind comes
Boekelman's footnote,
will bear in
mind
a point well-taken: "If the reader
the vital psychological difference between
the Caucasian's viewpoint on pearls, and the
minded
gious standpoint. This applies to shells in general.
made by
so
many
The
greatest
market for pearls is not the United States, as might be supposed from the great concentration of wealth in this country,
but in China, India, and Asiatic countries, and to a lesser
degree in Europe. In the East pearls
gious symbolism, in Europe
the statement
more primitive-
becomes clearer. To the more

civilized races pearls have a purely monetary and aesthetic
value, whereas the others value them primarily from a relicivilizations, this point
probably they have none."
less so,
still
and
maintain their
in the
reli-
United States
Appendix
IIO
MISCELLANEOUS MARINE MATERIALS

,
nonorganic
various
..,,.,
obvious
of
context,
ritual
materials
Apparently as part of the same
against visitors.
marine
c
a
origin were included in the panoply of orienngs.
\
Moholy-Nagy's manuscript mentions frequent

sions of coquina
(composed largely of
of
use as a honing instrument was found in Formative
At San
debris at Dzibilchaltun.
Jose, a
S.J.
or
II
possibly III
cache contained 8 pieces of pumice,
mixed with
181). Pumice,
Bryozoa (T,
corals or
normally lighter than water,

action of water
and
lava.
of marine origin, the
is
p.
formed by the
Although not
pumice
blocks,
inter-
on the
pumice
floats
sea beaches,
with the
this
with a few exceptions, of ambiguous cultural import,
although certain aspects of usage are
But most of the items
luscs
where occasionally
In
Cancun Midden
this category,
at
will be pub-
however, two
with votive offerings,
and should be mentioned. Spines of the stingray and

of the spiny boxfish have been found at a
number
well as copies of the former in bone, often
and beautifully engraved. These are
clearly related to the penitential bloodletting rites
of the ancients, in
which they must have played a
very significant part. Functionally they could
more simply have been replaced with

variety of thorns
arming
so
much
appendix lacked
listed in this
Many
any aesthetic or economic value.
were edible or of value
as
clear,
of the mol-
raw material
the manufacture of jewelry and artifacts.
for
But lumps
of
are
has been purposely avoided in
items are closely associated
elaborately
molluscs described in the previous pages are,
Gorgonia had no such
of the Sea"
which must
the
uses.
"Cult
reflect a
have been of great
we may
never prop-
From the Formative to the DecaMaya added such objects to their
caches and their tombs. Non-molluscan
forms are found in
much
greater abundance at far
inland Tikal than at Dzibilchaltun, which

to the sea.
close
is
However, Moholy-Nagy points out
that
the bulk of such offerings at Tikal date to the Early

Classic,
in the
and that they became
less
and
less
Late Classic. Dzibilchaltun, between
common
its
climax
phases in the middle Formative and the Late Early

period and Pure Florescent, was apparently a
little
importance.
We
site
of
found only one stone-walled
(unvaulted) structure datable to the
first
phase of
the Early period, and our stratigraphic sample
much
correspondingly tiny. So this
great
for the apparent discrepancy,
of the local flora
They
clearly
ceremonial import and which
offertory
separately.
sites, as
The
dent period, the
Dzibilchaltun and the
of
WTMM/IRV
apparent ritual connection
fish
sea.
which
appendix. Description of vertebrate remains
lished
and the
erly understand.
its
of coral or coquinas, colonies of Bryozoa, or fronds
sea.
Mention of
practices
the r
ashore in considerable quantities dur-
ing storms and hence
and importation,
r
necessarily
widely used as an abrasive by the present-day Maya,

are collected
were chosen,
some fundamental identification between

bespeaks
r
striations possibly indicating
pumice with
that they
and
shells)
fact
of collection
the difficulty
despite
;
r
inclu-
various unidentified "fibrous" materials at Tikal.
chunk
The
may
is
well be the reason
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1939
1950
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Maya
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Papers Peabody Mus., Harvard Univ.,
Index of Molluscan Species

Cerithium
eburneum,
Aequipecten
gibbus, 25,
15
pi.
muscosus, 25,
15
pi.
8, pi. 3
floridanum,
8, pi. 3
literattum, 8, pi. 3
Anadara
lutosum, see variabile
grandis, 22
notabilis, 22,
maculosum,
13
pi.
variabile.
transversa, 22, pi. 13
Chama
Anomalocardia
cuneimeris, 29,
congregata, 27, pi. 17
19
pi.
echinata, 28
Anomia
simplex, 26,
17
macerophylla, 28,
florida, 28, pi.
15
pi.
Antigona
29, pi. 19
listeri,
rigida, 29.pl.
pi.
sinuosa, 28, pi.
19
17
Charonia
Aplexa
elata,
tritonis nobilis, see C. variegata
34
variegata, 12, pi. 7
Apolymetis
Chiuae
20
intastriata, 31, pi.
19
cancellata, 29, pi.
Area
Choanopoma
imbricata, 21, pi. 13
radiosum, 34
noae, see A. zebra

occidentalis, see A. zebra
Cittarium
22
umbonata, see
Codakia
pica, 5, pi. 1
pacifica,
A.,
imbricata
16
orbicularis, 27, pi.
zebra, 22, pi. 13
Columbella
Arcopagia
fausta, 31, pi.
mercatoria, 14, pi. 6
20
Conus
Astraea
floridanus, 20, pi. 12
caelata, 5, pi. I
longispina, see A. phoebia
mus, 20,
phoebia,
regius, 20, pi. 12
tecta
17
sarda, 28, pi. 17
5, pi. I
americana,
12
pi.
sozoni, 20, pi. 12
6, pi. 1
spurius atlanticus, 20, pi. 12
Atrina
Crassostrea
A. seminuda
seminuda, 24, pi. 15
rigida, see
virginica, 26, pi.
16
Crepidula
aculeata, 8, pi. 3
fornicata, 8, pi. 3
Brachidontes
exustus, 23, pi.
14
Crucibulum
Bulimulus
sp->
auriculum,
34
8, pi. 3
spinosum, 8
Bulla
Cymatium
occidentalis, 21, pi. 21
femorale, 12,
Busycon
coarctatum, 14,
contrarium, 15,
pi.
pi.
9
9
pi.
Cyphoma
gibbosum, 10,
Cypraea
cervinetta, see
Calliostoma
jujubinum,
pileare, 12, pi. 7
perversum, 15, pi. 9

pyrum, see B. spiratum
spiratum, 15,
pi.
martinianum, see C. pileare

parthenopeum, 12, pi. 7
pi. 5
comment under
cervus, 10, pi. 5

cinerea, 10, pi. 5
5, pi. 1
Cancellaria
zebra, 10, pi. 5
reticulata, 19, pi.
Cypraecassis
Cantharus
testiculus, 12, pi.
auritulus, 14, pi.
Cardita
floridana, see
Dentalium
Carditamera
t.
Cardiurn
magnum,
cestum, 21
Dinocardium
floridana, 27, pi. 15
r.
vanhyningi, 29,
Diodora
Trachycardium magnum
muricatum, see Trachycardium muricatum
see
cayenensis, 5, pi. 1
Cassis
listeri, 5, pi.
madagascariensis, 12
21
Diplodonta
tuberosa, 12, pi. 11
semiaspera, 27
II 3
pi.
18
C. zebra
ii4
Index of Species
Dosinia
Marginella
concentrica, 30
discus,
labiata, see
elegans, 30, pi. 19
Melampus
coffeus, 21, pi. 6
Echininus
nodulosus,
Melongena
7, pi. 2
bispinosa, see
Euglandina
pi.
10
campechiensis, 29,
pi.
melongena, 14,
Mercenaria
34
19
Mitra
Fasciolaria
branhamae, see comment under F. hunteria

distans, see comment under F. hunteria
gigantea, see Pleuroploca gigantea
21
florida, 19, pi.
Modiolus
d. granosissimus, 23, pi.
14
Modulus
hunteria, 15, pi. 10

lilium, see
comment under M. corona
corona, 14.pl. 10
carminensis, 34
decussata, 34
sp-,

Prunum labiatum
apicina, see
30
comment under F.
comment under
papillosa, see
hunteria
modulus,
oniscus, 11, pi.
tulipa, 16, pis. 10, 11
21
8, pi.
Morum
tuberculosum, 11
Ficus
communis, 13,
pi.
papyratia, see F.
Mulinia
communis
lateralis, 31, pi.
20
Murex
Fissurella
barbadensis,
dilectus, 13, pi.
5, pi. 1
florifer,
Fulgur
perversum, see
comment under Busycon contrarium
13, pi. 8
rubidum, see M. rubidus
recurvirostris
hians, 31
dilectus
fulvescens, 13, pi. 8
pomum,
Gastrochaena
comment under M.
see
rubidus, 13, pi. 21
Glycymeris
Musculus
decussata, 23
lateralis,
undata, 23,
23
comment under G. undata
pennacea, see
pi.
Nassa
13
vibex, see Nassarius vibex
Nassarius
Helicina
vibex, 15, pi. 6
sp-,
34
Hemisinus
sp.,
Natica
canrena, 11,
32
pi.
Neocyclotus
Isognomon
dysoni, 34
alatus, 23, pi.
14
radiatus, 23, pi. 14
Nephronaias
aff. calamitarum,
cf.
Jaspidella
jaspidea, see
comment under
21
goascoranensis, 32
Olivellas
ortmanni, 32
Nerita
Lambidium
tuberculosa
pi.
yzabalensis, 32
morum,
see
Morum
tuberculosum
16
infundibulum, 16
ceratus,
pi. 2
praecognita, see N. tessellata

tessellata, 6, pi. 2
Neritina
Lima
meleagris, 6
lima, 26, pi. 15
virginea, 6, pi. 2
scabra, 26, pi. 15
Nodilittorina
Littorina
tuberculata, 7, pi. 2
ziczac, 7, pi. 2
Noetia
Livonia
pica, see Cittarium pica
Lucina
ponderosa, 22,
pi.
13
Oleacina
jamaicensis, see Phacoides pectinatus
pensylvanica, 27, pi. 16
Lunarca
ovalis, 22, pi.
fulgurans, 6,
peloronta, 6, pi. 2
Latirus
sp-,
34
Oliva
caribaeensis, 17, pi. 12
porphyria, 17
13
Lyropecten
reticularis, 17, pi.
nodosus, 24, pi. 13

subnodosus, 25
sayana, 18,
spicata,
pi.
12
12
18
Olivella
Macrocallista
maculata, 30,
dealbata, 19, pi. 12

pi.
19
mutica, see
comment under
Olivellas
Index of Species
"5
nivea, 19, pi. 12

rosolina, see
Quadrula
comment under
Olivellas
quadrata, see Psoronaias quadratus
Orthalicus
Rocellaria
princeps princeps, 34
hians, see Gastrochaena hians
Ostrea
16
equestris, 26, pi.
Spondylus
16
frons, 26, pi.
americanus, 25, pi. 15

crassisquama, see S. princeps
Pachychilus
glaphyrus, 32
echinatus, see S. americanus
indiorum, 32
largillierti,
limbatus, see S. princeps
32
princeps, 25
Pec ten
Strombus
gibbus exasperatus, see Aequipecten biggus

laurenti, 24, pi. 2
irregularis, 7, pi. 3
raninus, 10, pi. 4
Phacoides
radians,
16
Tectarius
muricatus, 7,
27
Phalium
pi.
listeri,
Pinctada
30, pi.
radiata,
radiata, 24, pi.
20
20
30, pi. 20
lineal, 30, pi.
inflatum, 11, pi. 6
Terebra
14
cinerea, 21
Planaxis
dispar, 21
nucleus, 7, pi. 3
Thais
Pleuroploca
gigantea, 16, pi. 11
deltoidea, 13, pi. 8
Plicatula
rustica, 14, pi.
Tonna
gibbosa, 24, pi. 15

Polinices
galea, 12, pi. 7
maculosa, 12,
duplicatus, 11, pi. 3

hepaticus, 11, pi. 3
pi.
Trachycardium
egmontianum, 28
lacteus, 11, pi. 3
Pomacea
isocardia, 28, pi.
flagellata arata, 32, pi.
magnum,
21
18
28, pi. 18
muricatum, 28
ghiesbrechti, 32
Prunum
pi.
18
Transennella
apicinum apicinum, 19
apicinum virgineum, 19,
cubaniana, 30
pi.
12
guttatum, 20, pi. 12

labiatum, 20, pi. 12
cf. storeria
pi. 2
Tellina
granulatum, 11,
f.
gigas, 9, pi. 4
pugilis, 9, pi. 4
Petaloconchus
pectinatus, 27, pi.
costatus, 9, pi.
angulata, 16, pi. 11
Couthouy, 20
Vasum
capitellum, 17
Pseudochama
echinata, see
Turbinella
Chama
radians, 28, pi.
17
muricatum, 17,
pi.
Vermicularia
knorri, see V. spirata
Pseudocyrena
floridana, 27, pi.
16
spirata, 7, pi. 3
Venus
Psoronaias
campechiensis, see Mercenaria campechiensis
quadratus, 33
semigranosus, 33
Xancus
Pteria
colymbus, 24,
Purpura
echinata
See Turbinella
pi.
pitula, 13, pi. 8
14
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Connecticut
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university of

Archaeological use and distributio

Digitized by the Internet Archive

2012 with funding from

LYRASIS members and Sloan Foundation

National Geographic Society -Tulane University

The Archaeological Use and Distribution

Middle American Research Institute

PUBLISHED WITH THE AID OF A GRANT FROM

THE FORD FOUNDATION

The Archaeological Use and Distribution

National Geographic Society -Tulane University

The Archaeological Use and Distribution

Middle American Research Institute

Annotated Checklist of Marine Species

Annotated Checklist of Freshwater Species

Shells as Votive Offerings

Summary and Conclusions

Archaeological Occurrences of Other Marine Invertebrates

Index of Molluscan Species

Two Maya paintings of the

Ecological provinces of the Yucatan littoral

and adjacent regions

4. Dzibilchaltun, Str. 38,

by archaeological finds of Mollusca in

Tinklers from a private collection in Merida

Vermetidae, Turritellidae, Planaxidae, Cerithiidae, Calyptraeidae,

Cassididae and miscellaneous small gastropods

Cymatiidae, Tonnidae, Ficidae

11. Miscellaneous large gastropods

Mytilidae, Isognomonidae, Pteriidae

Pinnidae, Plicatulidae, Pectinidae, Spondylidae, Limidae,

16. Ostreidae, Corbiculiidae, Lucinidae

20. Tellinidae, Mactridae

Archaeological occurrence and

Archaeological shell from Dzibilchaltun

Marine molluscs from

distribution of molluscs found

Cancun Midden, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The National Geographic

Educacion Publica of Mexico, through the Instituto

Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, which will be

the present studies form a part, operated under

the repository of the collections described.

grants from the National Science Foundation and

tions for this paper

were prepared and processed

National Geographic Society photographic

Davalos Hurtado, Director of the

Yucatan representatives during our long

work has been done under

as the several Directors of Prehispanic

and guidance are due the

In the excavations at Dzibilchaltun between 1956

and 1965, over 2300

fragments appeared, in addition

form that the

clear that the sea, only 10 miles north of

the ruins, played a very significant role in the

their frequent appearance in

and ceremonial caches and portrayal

and that previously reported from Yucatan.