Turtles as storytellers: the potential of ancient DNA analysis to shed light on Mayan culture, life, and traditions

Abstract

This presentation summarizes a pilot project conducted in Dr. Yang’s ancient DNA (aDNA) laboratory, focusing on the Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii). 

aDNA was extracted and analyzed from six turtle skeletal samples recovered from three archaeological sites in Belize and Guatemala, dating to multiple periods of Maya civilization, including the time of European contact. Although D. mawii served as an important food source for the Maya, it held significant cultural and spiritual value, notably through its role in the Maya creation story. Archaeological evidence further indicates the use of D. mawii in burial rituals and in the production of containers, tools, costume ornaments and musical instruments. 

In this study, aDNA was successfully amplified from all six samples using three sets of PCR primers targeting short ND4 mtDNA fragments. GenBank sequence searches confirmed that all samples belong to D. mawii, with three distinct haplotypes identified, representing different maternal lineages. 

These results demonstrate that authentic aDNA can be recovered at a high success rate from tropical environments, despite challenging conditions. Additionally, that contamination can be effectively minimized with the use of dedicated laboratory facilities. 

This study highlights the feasibility of conducting aDNA analysis of additional turtle remains in Maya sites. Beyond species identification, aDNA offers the potential to characterize regional turtle populations, track population changes over time, and reconstruct patterns of anthropogenic turtle movement. With broader temporal and geographic sampling, this approach can provide deeper insights into human-turtle interactions and broader perspectives on the lifeways and traditions of ancestral Maya people.