Earliest Evidence of Primate Captivity and Translocation Supports Gift Diplomacy Between Teotihuacan and the Maya

A multi-method archaeometry study (zooarchaeological, isotopic, aDNA, paleobotanical, and radiocarbon dating) of a spider monkey sacrificed in the ceremonial center of Teotihuacan, Mexico (1-550 CE) is interpreted as a diplomatic gift exchange with neighboring Maya. To determine species and sub-species identification and sex, we sequenced the DNA extracted from a sacrificed spider monkey along with extraction and library negative controls.