What is known

The tomb was discovered while clearing grass to make way for a new path between two previously open temples at an archaeological complex near the resort town of Tulum. The rock where the grave is currently located is under a layer of soil. However, it was possible to notice a decorative snail attached to the upper part of the wall where the cave entrance is located.

Scientists began excavations and soon discovered a stone blocking the entrance to the tomb. It was possible to penetrate inside only on the knees and the entrance was arranged so that an uninvited visitor would be bisected by a stone slab.

Two burial chambers, each 3 meters long and 2 meters wide, were discovered inside the tomb. The average height of the passes is only half a meter. The work is complicated by cramped quarters, inability to organize good lighting, suffocation and high humidity, as well as many insects. However, research on the object continues.

in the grave Remains of eight people, mostly adults, were found. At the same time, the microclimate inside the cave allowed them to be very well preserved. Now anthropologists are studying the remains.

In addition, There were many animal bones in the grave. These include local rodents (e.g. mice and discs), bats and frogs. But there are also those who, by chance, did not reach the grave: a domestic dog and a deer, pelican-like and chicken-like birds, sea and land turtles, tiger shark and several other species of fish, crabs. Some bones have characteristic marks resulting from processing with a knife. But some of them were clearly used for the production of various objects, for example, fans.

Judging by the ceramics, the burial dates back to the late post-classical period (AD 1200-1550), that is, before European colonization. Among the interesting finds, scientists note three bowls on three legs, characteristic of this culture.