El uso de los animales en una ciudad tarasca posclásica: estudio arqueozoológico del sitio de Malpaís Prieto

International audienceDuring the Post-classic, the Mexican state of Michoacán was occupied by the Tarascan culture. Archaeological studies conducted in the Zacapu area have clarified the social organization of this group. The study of faunal remains found in the Malpaís Prieto site represents a first insight on the relation between man and animals and the subsistence strategies developed by its inhabitants. It indicates a large exploitation of the various environments surrounding the site, in particular in domestic context. Commensal animals and those living in swamp area are the most abundant, while funerary contexts show less diversity, with mostly deer and vulture remains. This study leads us to question the accuracy of ethno-historic sources when dealing with animal exploitation, and gives a glimpse on the possible high symbolism of some of the taxa used in ritual activities. (source éditeur