Archaeologists discover 1,700-year-old Mayan tomb full of treasures
Archaeologists in Guatemala have unearthed a Mayan tomb deep in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve that is estimated to date back to 350 AD. Lead researcher Francisco Estrada-Belli described the discovery as like winning the lottery.
Inside the tomb, the Tulane University team found a jade mosaic mask, human femurs decorated with inscriptions, and spondylus shells used by the Mayan royal family as jewelry and a means of payment.
Located on the border between present-day Mexico and Belize, Chokkitam was a medium-sized city with a population of 10,000 to 15,000. Ongoing excavations provide evidence of Chokkitam’s connections to larger regional kingdoms such as Tikal to the south and Kaanu’l to the north. One such piece of evidence is hieroglyphs found in thigh bones that link a previously unknown Chokkitam king to other Maya royal families.
“Over the past decade, our team has investigated a number of archaeological sites that were known only as dots on the map of the remote northeastern corner of Guatemala,” Estrada-Belli said by email. “We hope to find further evidence of interactions with neighbors and distant overlords. This will allow us to learn more about how the Maya civilization was structured and functioned.”
A jade mosaic mask discovered in a 1,700-year-old Mayan tomb at Chochkitam. Photo: Francisco Estrada-Belli.
Research was led to Chokkitam in 1924 by an expedition led by Fran Blom of Tulane University, who had discovered a monument decorated with hieroglyphs. Estrada-Belli suspected that there was more to be found there.
Using Lidar, laser beams from an aircraft, the archaeologists mapped the surrounding jungle floor and noticed a series of tunnels that looters had dug into the dense jungle foliage. Fortunately, they had stopped just a few meters from the tomb.
The tomb, located under a pyramid, was in relatively good condition, but the stone ceiling had collapsed.
Artifacts from Mayan tombs remain key to understanding the structure and functioning of this civilization, a endeavor long hampered by looting. “Tombs were accompanied by lavish offerings for the afterlife,” said Estrada-Belli. “In this case, the pottery would have contained food and drink. The carved bones and jade mask, on the other hand, were personal objects with special, sacred significance.”
Researchers will now conduct DNA tests on the bones and continue excavations in the hope of making more discoveries. Once this analysis is complete, all of the objects will be displayed at the National Museum. “We hope that young Guatemalans can learn more about their wonderful ancient history,” said Estrada-Belli.
More pictures can be found below:
An incised femur discovered in an ancient Mayan tomb. Photo courtesy of Francisco Estrada-Belli.
Incised femur next to a drawing by Alexandre Tokovinine with the Holmul of Tulane University
Archaeological project. Image courtesy of Francisco Estrada-Belli.
The excavation site of an ancient Mayan tomb discovered in Chochkitam, photo: Francisco Estrada-Belli.
Archaeologists at work in Chochkitam. Photo: Francisco Estrada-Belli.
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