Staff from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) of Mexico made a significant archaeological discovery while supervising construction works in the locality of Pozo de Ibarra, Nayarit. While excavating for the sewer system, they uncovered a complex burial from the pre-Hispanic era that sheds light on the funerary practices of the region at that time.
According to archaeologist Claudia Servín from the INAH Nayarit Center, the burial contained an intact skeleton along with other human bones intentionally stacked. Long bones like femurs and tibias were placed in one section, while several skulls were grouped in another area, some even stacked.
The analysis reveals that the bone remains were deposited all at once, after the bodies decomposed. This careful arrangement suggests the existence of specific funerary rituals in the region during the Amapa era, between 500-850 AD, according to artifacts found.
Within the burial, archaeologists found at least seven complete skulls presumably of men of different ages, some with evidence of cranial modification, a common cultural practice in Mesoamerica. This could indicate a social distinction within pre-Hispanic society.
According to Servín, this burial might have been part of family funerary rituals, where male members were buried to commemorate the establishment of a settlement. This finding is exceptional as there are no similar records in the area.
Both the INAH and the authorities of Nayarit are working on preserving the remains and plan detailed studies to learn more about the worldview of the ancient peoples of the region. The discovery highlights the importance of collaboration between institutions to protect Mexico’s archaeological heritage.
Sources
Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) of Mexico
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