Stingray Spine Use and Maya Bloodletting Rituals: A Cautionary Tale

Abstract

Stingray spine use in Maya human bloodletting rituals has long been an accepted phenomenon. Recent work has suggested that intact spines may have been used and that the symptoms resulting from envenomation were an important part of the bloodletting ritual. Zoological and medical research, however, indicate that stingray toxins pose a more serious threat to human health than mere pain and inflammation. Medical studies conducted to track injuries resulting from stingray attacks report that some two-thirds of all cases result in tissue necrosis. Reconciling the use of stingray spines by the Maya with the physiological effects they present is crucial if we are to understand how the Maya viewed toxic marine materials and why they incorporated them in their ritual behaviors. Correlations between political events and stingray spine use may hold the key for understanding how these objects were articulated into the larger social and political sphere. We provide a discussion of the effects of stingray envenomation and the health risks inherent to the ritual use of stingray spines as bloodletters among the ancient Maya. Finally, we offer some possible explanations for the role of cleaned and defleshed spines in ritual contexts.

Salt and marine products in the Classic Maya economy from use-wear study of stone tools

“…Near-coastal communities including Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Dzibilchaltun had marine resources as a common component of the diet ( 41 , 42 ). Marine fish bones are found in smaller quantities in middens farther inland, as well as in ceremonial contexts ( 41 , 42 , 45 – 47 ).…”

Animal Provisioning at Chichen Itza and Isla Cerritos: A Zooarchaeological Review of Faunal Utilization

“…spine emphasizes the importance of these elements as sharp objects associated with sacrifices (Haines et al 2008). On the other hand, fish at IC, as would be expected for a coastal site, are abundant and taxonomically diverse, including both bony and cartilaginous fish (Figure 2).…”

Neglected Venomous Animals and Toxins: Underrated Biotechnological Tools in Drug Development

“…They have participated, for example, in human (sacrificial) rituals and attempted pharmaceutical developments throughout history. There were Maya human bloodletting rituals that employed the sting of marine stingrays as blades, due to a 'more efficient' bleeding [11]. Hunters have long sought the Central and South American Dendrobatidae 'poison arrow frogs' (self-explanatory) to use their toxic skin secretion for hunting [12].…”