In the creation myths of Matsigenka mythology, humans were the first to inhabit the Earth and they were slowly transformed into different animal species, starting with primates.
[citation needed] Yari was a lazy shaman who imbibed hallucinogens and sang songs all day.
When Osheto discovered this deceit, he punched Yari in the throat, causing it to become swollen, like that of a howler monkey.
In a similar story, two shamans on a failed quest to steal fire-making technology from an all-female group were transformed into primates.
The spider monkeys, although hunted by the Matsigenka, are seen as unafraid of humans, often revealing themselves in acts of territorial display.
Because of their loud vocalization, it is thought the howler monkeys are shamans, and thus pose spiritual hazards as well.
In one account outlined in the K'iche' Maya sacred text, the Popol Vuh, the gods created animals first, but were displeased when they could not speak or worship them.
[2] The gods angrily destroyed them with rains and flood, and those wood people who escaped became spider monkeys.
In their human form, Hunbatz and Hunchouen were efficient in arts and craftsmanship, and these monkey twins are seen as patron gods to this discipline.
After Rama wins, Hanuman continues to play an important role throughout the Ramayana, and is argued to be the hero of the epic.
Hanuman is often depicted as having human features, with only a monkey-like mouth to give away his true form.
Today, the rhesus macaques and the Hanuman langur commonly roam the streets and temples of India.
On Tuesdays and Saturdays, holy days which represent the good deeds of Hanuman, they are brought an abundance of foods.
[9] Attempts to control the monkey population, including relocation, sterilization, and outlawing feeding them, have been ineffective.