Prehistoric exploitation of the manatee in the Maya and circum‐Caribbean areas

Abstract

The prehistoric exploitation of the large sea‐cow, manatee, in the Maya and circum‐Caribbean areas is examined in terms of the factors that may have contributed to the selection of animal resources for human consumption. Ecological, historic, and ethnographic information on the Caribbean manatee contribute to an understanding of its prehistoric exploitation. A model of animal resource selection is discussed, whereby the reliable recovery of significant quantities of meat and/or fish is the primary aim. Major factors that would have contributed to such a recovery are discussed.