The Wax Conspiracy

Archaeologists Stage Preemptive Raid of Mexican Tomb

In Oaxaca, Mexico, as they neared the end of their excavation season, archaeologists from Chicago's Field Museum discovered a 1500 year old tomb as they were exploring a residential complex.

It took the efforts of seven workers to move the huge stone door leading down into the subfloor tomb. What they found were the untouched relics of the ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Alban. At the time of the Maya, the Zapotec were one of the most important cultures.

Untouched by human hands the remains of three people were found. In addition to the elaborately constructed masonry tombs, it's believed that the trio were of high status with one wearing a single green stone bead. "The tomb was well constructed, which kept soil and rubble out, but not water," Gary Feinman, PhD, chair and curator of Anthropology at The Field Museum.

With a heightened state of paranoia and fear of black market funded looting following news of the discovery at El Palmillo, the workers stood guard at the tomb until they had recovered all of the remains and artefacts.

The tomb included three wall niches filled with ceramic vessels. Twenty-five vessels dating to the latter part of the Classic period (c. AD 500-700), remnants of another 11 vessels and six teeth fit with stone drill plugs were also found.

Ethan Switch

Written on Monday, 18 August 2003

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