News Archaeology

A spider monkey’s remains tell a story of ancient diplomacy in the Americas

Its 1,700-year-old skeleton unearthed at Teotihuacan in Mexico suggests it was likely a gift from the Maya

A photo of spider monkey bones found buried alongside eagle bones to the left and other animal bones

Archaeologists found the complete skeleton of a spider monkey (right) buried beside an eagle (left) and other animals at the base of a pyramid in the ancient city of Teotihuacan.

N. Sugiyama/Project Plaza of the Columns Complex

By Freda Kreier

A sacrificed spider monkey is shedding new light on an ancient Mesoamerican relationship.