If we look at the ancient Maya story of origins, the first howler monkey and spider monkey originated from human-like entities
Top photo: Lidded vessel with monkey, Dzibanche
2nd photo: Smoking monkey, origin unknown
3rd photo: Monkey in courtly scene, origin unknown
5th photo: Howler monkey, Temple 11, Copan, Honduras
The connection with men and monkeys, being either in appearance, behavior, or that we share lots of our genes with chimps (so we have been told time and time again) is not an accident. If we look at the ancient Maya story of origins, which may very well be true too, the first howler monkey and spider monkey originated from human-like entities.
Hun Batz and Hun Chuen were the second set of twins in the Popol Vuh, and brothers of the hero twins. They were accomplished artists, but due to their jealousy of the younger twins, were tricked and punished by them and turned into monkeys. But even if they are associated with mischief, they are also sacred and divine, even portrayed on vessels in such scenes.
Photographs by Institute of Archaeology
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