NEW DELHI: Researchers recently unearthed a tomb of an ancient lord, brimming with gold treasures and accompanied by sacrificial victims, at an archaeological park in Panama.
Officials made the revelation on Friday, highlighting the tomb’s estimated age of around 1,200 years. This site signifies the resting place of an esteemed chief, alongside dozens of individuals who perished to join him in the afterlife, according to the nation’s culture ministry.
Within the confines of El Caño Archaeological Park, scientists stumbled upon a wealth of gold artifacts, including bracelets, belts adorned with gold beads, earrings shaped like crocodiles, gold-covered sperm whale teeth earrings, and circular gold plates. Additionally, archaeologists unearthed earrings depicting a man and a woman, two bells, skirts crafted from dog teeth, and a collection of bone flutes.
The grave is believed to belong to a prominent chief of the local Coclé culture, aged in his 30s, as reported by the El Caño Foundation via a Facebook post. The foundation also shared footage showcasing the remarkable treasures.
Dr. Julia Mayo, director of the foundation and head of the archaeological endeavor, noted that aside from the lord, the tomb holds the remains of up to 31 individuals who were “sacrificed to accompany him.” Mayo revealed that the excavation of the burial site is ongoing, making it challenging to ascertain the exact number of occupants. She mentioned that the lord was interred facing downwards, a common practice for such burials, atop the body of a woman.
Linette Montenegro, the national director of heritage at the Ministry of Culture, disclosed that excavation at the archaeological park commenced in 2022. Montenegro emphasized that the gold and artifacts found within the tomb possess not only economic worth but also immeasurable historical and cultural significance.
The ministry described El Caño Archaeological Park as a necropolis constructed around 700 AD, later abandoned around 1000 AD. Situated in the Coclé province, approximately 100 miles southwest of Panama City, the park stands as a testament to ancient civilizations and their burial customs.
Officials made the revelation on Friday, highlighting the tomb’s estimated age of around 1,200 years. This site signifies the resting place of an esteemed chief, alongside dozens of individuals who perished to join him in the afterlife, according to the nation’s culture ministry.
Within the confines of El Caño Archaeological Park, scientists stumbled upon a wealth of gold artifacts, including bracelets, belts adorned with gold beads, earrings shaped like crocodiles, gold-covered sperm whale teeth earrings, and circular gold plates. Additionally, archaeologists unearthed earrings depicting a man and a woman, two bells, skirts crafted from dog teeth, and a collection of bone flutes.
The grave is believed to belong to a prominent chief of the local Coclé culture, aged in his 30s, as reported by the El Caño Foundation via a Facebook post. The foundation also shared footage showcasing the remarkable treasures.
Dr. Julia Mayo, director of the foundation and head of the archaeological endeavor, noted that aside from the lord, the tomb holds the remains of up to 31 individuals who were “sacrificed to accompany him.” Mayo revealed that the excavation of the burial site is ongoing, making it challenging to ascertain the exact number of occupants. She mentioned that the lord was interred facing downwards, a common practice for such burials, atop the body of a woman.
Linette Montenegro, the national director of heritage at the Ministry of Culture, disclosed that excavation at the archaeological park commenced in 2022. Montenegro emphasized that the gold and artifacts found within the tomb possess not only economic worth but also immeasurable historical and cultural significance.
The ministry described El Caño Archaeological Park as a necropolis constructed around 700 AD, later abandoned around 1000 AD. Situated in the Coclé province, approximately 100 miles southwest of Panama City, the park stands as a testament to ancient civilizations and their burial customs.