The idea of turkeys wearing huaraches—leather sandals—sounds like something that could only happen in Mexico. Surprisingly, there’s a story that suggests it really did.
Turkeys, or guajolotes as they are commonly called in Mexico, are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Domesticated as early as Mayan times, their name comes from the Nahuatl word huexólotl, meaning “old monster,” a nod to the male turkey’s distinctive appearance. Their taste, however, was highly praised; the 16th-century chronicler Bernardino de Sahagún described turkey meat as “the best of all birds; tasty, fat, and savory.”
For over 2,000 years, turkeys have been raised in Mexico, setting the stage for a curious tale told me by archaeologist Peter Jiménez.
During his career, Jiménez worked extensively at the Cerro de Teúl Archaeological Zone near the city of Teúl, Zacatecas. He recounted a story that, at first, seemed far-fetched but was later supported by Teúl historian Ezequiel Ávila and other sources.
In 1984, while studying archaeology in Zacatecas, Jiménez was on a tour of the state along with then-Governor José Guadalupe Cervantes. Approaching Teúl, they drove past a large cave visible from the highway, called La Cueva Prieta (The Ugly Black Cave). Jiménez suggested it could be an excellent site for excavating prehistoric remains. The governor didn’t comment, but a cabinet member accompanying the group mentioned that if excavations were conducted there, they might uncover 20 or 30 centimeters of turkey guano.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.