Wildlife in ancient Mesoamerican art — beyond jaguars, eagles and snakes
Since prehistory, people have been fascinated with the natural world and made works of art full of meaning based on the animals they shared their region with. Ancient Mesoamerican peoples were, of course, no exception. The Maya, Olmec, Zapotec, Tarascan, Mexica, and others incorporated animal imagery into their temples, everyday objects, dwellings, writing, and calendar systems.
But of all the species surrounding them, three tend to dominate their art and cosmology: jaguars (and other large cats), eagles, and snakes. The animals are strongly associated with fertility, duality, and the passage between realms. There is also the fact that jaguars and eagles were seen as mighty animals, which is why they became associated with nobility and the elite warrior class.
However, other animals were also tremendously important for pragmatic and symbolic/cosmological reasons.
Rabbits
Closely tied to the moon, its image often appears within lunar contexts, reflecting the perceived rabbit-shaped patterns on the lunar surface. This celestial connection intertwines with other significant associations. During the postclassic, rabbits were linked to pulque, the fermented beverage, and its associated deities like Macuiltochtli, embodying both inebriety and abundance and fertility, as is the case with the Maya goddess Ixchel.
Monkeys
Monkeys’ playful nature, intelligence, and perceived connection to the natural world made them potent symbols. They are depicted in art, from painted murals and ceramic figures to carved stone monuments, often engaging in human-like activities such as dancing, playing music, or even weaving. In some Mesoamerican creation myths, monkeys are even considered ancestors of humankind, emphasizing their close relationship to humans.
Dogs
Artistic representations range from playful depictions of dogs as companions to more symbolic portrayals linked to death and the underworld. Religiously, dogs were associated with deities of the underworld, fire, and even the rain, reflecting their liminal status between worlds and their connection to powerful natural forces. Xolotl, the Aztec dog-headed god, was a psychopomp, guiding souls to the afterlife; of all examples of dogs in Mesoamerican art, the most famous were ceramics produced by the Colima culture, which are prized for their beauty, and, frankly, their cuteness.
Birds
Aside from eagles, other species of birds including hummingbirds hold a special place in Mesoamerican myth. The Maya believed hummingbirds acted as messengers between the earthly realm and the spiritual world. They were thought to carry thoughts, desires, and messages of love and hope between realms. The most famous depiction of hummingbirds can be found in the murals of San Bartolo, where an anthropomorphic hummingbird is engaged in an ecstatic dance.
Turtles
In Mesoamerican religion, particularly within Maya culture, turtles held a rich and multifaceted symbolic significance, especially concerning water, fertility, and creation. Furthermore, here are several examples of deities, such as the Maya Maize god, being depicted emerging from a turtle shell, symbolizing rebirth or creation. Some depictions, like those at the Turtle Temple in Uxmal, show turtles in very straightforward ways, while others are much more fanciful, such as the famous two-headed turtle in Copan — where one head can be seen alive while the other is dead. A similar theme can be found at the double-headed turtle platform at Chichén Viejo’s Serie Inicial.
Bats
In Aztec and Maya cultures, bats held a complex and ominous symbolism in their relationship with death, sacrifice, and the underworld. A prominent figure in Maya mythology, Camazotz (“death bat” in K’iche’ Maya), was a bat god associated with death. Aside from the fact that bats mostly reside in caves, it’s also possible that this association is related to illnesses brought on by bat droppings.
Deer
Deer were deeply connected to the natural world, representing the spirit of the forest and its wild inhabitants. Their graceful movements and elusive nature made them symbols of freedom and the untamed wilderness. In some contexts, deer were also involved in ritual sacrifice, emphasizing their spiritual importance. For example, the Maya Deer Dance (Danza del Venado) is a traditional performance that depicts the relationship between humans and deer, reflecting ancient beliefs.
Fish
Fish played a role in Mesoamerican myth and art, reflecting their importance as a resource and their symbolic connection to water and the underworld. Of course, fish were also a source of food and protein, contributing to their association with fertility and abundance. Though sweet water fish were consumed regularly, it is said the rulers of inland cities like Tenochtitlan and Tula would be sent on long expeditions to import fresh fish from the sea for special occasions.
Insects
Though comparatively rare, depictions of insects like centipedes, ants, and scorpions can be found represented across the Mesoamerican world. For example, in Maya art, centipedes held complex symbolic meanings, often associated with the underworld and transitions between realms, such as night and day. The Maya people, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula, had a deep connection with beekeeping, especially with stingless bees (Melipona beecheii), and their related deity, Ah Muzen Cab held an important place in their beliefs and healing practices.
Armadillos
Armadillos appear in Maya mythology, notably within the Popol Vuh, where the Hero Twins perform a dance that includes the noble armadillo. In the Madrid codex, these peculiar animals are depicted in contexts related to hunting and abundance. There is also evidence that the use of armadillo hides in medicinal practices and in ceremonial stools used by lords and shamans.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
