Tulane archaeologists make Mayan discoveries at El Achiotal
Tulane archaeologists make Mayan discoveries at El Achiotal
The discoveries, announced this week by archaeologists from Tulane and Del Valle universities, include a stucco mask found inside a nearly 70 foot pyramid at the site of the El Achiotal, project in Guatemala.
Maya pottery piece discovered at Homul Archaeological Project site in Guatemala. (Picture provided by Francisco Estrada-Belli)
Archaeologists with the La Corona Regional Archaeological Project in Guatemala, who in 2012 discovered the second known reference to the so-called “end date of the Maya calendar”, have announced more significant finds from the same site.
The discoveries, announced this week by archaeologists from Tulane and Del Valle universities, include a stucco mask found inside a nearly 70 foot pyramid at the site of the El Achiotal, project in Guatemala. The pyramid, which dates back to the 1st century BCE, is the tallest building at the site.
The approximately 6 foot tall mask, still covered in its original polychrome paint decoration, depicts the Principal Bird Deity, an important character in the Maya creation myth and integral to early kingship in the Maya lowlands.
There are still many cities like these still lying under the forest that hold many secrets about the Maya history, in spite of all the damage caused by centuries of natural erosion and looting that still happens as we speak.
More:
http://www.heritagedaily.com/2016/09/tulane-archaeologists-make-mayan-discoveries-at-el-achiotal/112784
Anthropology:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12292868
