Dazzling gold treasures found in 1,300-year-old tomb in Panama
Archaeologists in Panama have discovered the spectacular tomb of a pre-Hispanic chieftain, whose grave goods include lavish gold objects and earrings made from whale teeth. The adult man buried in the tomb dates from around 750 AD and is believed to have been a high-ranking member of the ancient Gran Coclé culture, famous for its gold processing in pre-Columbian times.
The burial was discovered in a necropolis known as El Caño Archaeological Park, where other tombs as well as stone monoliths and wooden ceremonial structures were previously found. According to the Panamanian Ministry of Culture, the site was used between about 700 and 1000 AD and has already produced a number of “multiple burials,” each containing between eight and 32 bodies of elites and lower-ranking individuals sacrificed to their superiors in the afterlife to accompany.
The old nobleman was buried next to incredible amounts of gold.
Image courtesy of the Ministry of Culture of Panama
It is currently unclear how many people were buried in the newly discovered tomb, although archaeologists have confirmed that the Coclé Lord was buried face down on a woman’s body, as was customary in that society. In addition to the remains, researchers discovered numerous ceramic artifacts as well as pieces of gold with enormous monetary and historical value.
These grave goods included five gold breastplates, two gold beaded belts, two human-shaped earrings (a man and a woman), another earring in the shape of a “double crocodile,” and a series of circular gold plates. Five other earrings decorated with gold-covered sperm whale teeth were also found in the grave, as well as bracelets and clothing decorated with dog teeth.
Earrings in the shape of humans and crocodiles were found in the grave.
Image courtesy of the Ministry of Culture of Panama
Other items buried with the chief include a set of bone flutes, two rattles and a beaded necklace. Archaeologists are still excavating the tomb to learn more about its ancient inhabitants and their ornate possessions.
Archaeologists are now continuing their excavations at the site filled with jewelry.
Image courtesy of the Ministry of Culture of Panama
The Gran Coclé culture is thought to have existed from around 200 BC. It existed in what is now Panama from 1550 BC to 1550 AD and is known for its artistically crafted gold artifacts. Spectacular examples of these expertly crafted items have been found at numerous ancient burial sites across the country.
