Doha: The Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History announced the discovery of a rare archaeological cave containing 179 artifacts dating back to the Late Classic period, specifically between 600-900 AD, in the municipality of Cintalapa in the state of Chiapas, southern Mexico. According to Qatar News Agency, the discovered artifacts are distributed across 13 deposits inside the cave, which extends for approximately 100 meters near the La Venta River Valley. The findings include ceramic vessels, decorated incense burners, and jars bearing engravings of animals associated with the culture of the ancient Zoque people.
Researchers confirmed that the organized arrangement of these objects indicates that the cave was not used solely for habitation, but also served as a site for conducting traditional rituals related to prayers for rain and the fertility of the land.
Archaeological research continues using three-dimensional imaging techniques and detailed chemical analyses to examine remnants of stored materials and uncover any other potential traces within the discovered artifacts.
Researchers noted that the cave is among the most important archaeological sites documented in the state of Chiapas in recent decades, explaining that this discovery opens new avenues for understanding the nature of life and the cultural heritage of the ancient Zoque people and their relationship with neighboring civilizations in the Mesoamerican region.