1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb discovered in Oaxaca Valley with carved doorways and murals. Tomb dates to approximately 600 CE Located in the Etla Valley, the most fertile region of the Valley of Oaxaca Features an antechamber and single tomb chamber with carved stone doorways
A Zapotec tomb at San Pablo Huitzo in the Etla Valley features murals of men spreading copal seeds and exterior carvings of a man and woman. Ceramics and human remains await lab analysis.
Key Facts
- Tomb dates to approximately 600 CE
- Located in the Etla Valley, the most fertile region of the Valley of Oaxaca
- Features an antechamber and single tomb chamber with carved stone doorways
- Contains painted murals depicting men spreading copal seeds, a known Zapotec ceremonial practice
- Exterior features carved figures of a man and woman
- Ceramics and human remains were recovered and sent to laboratory analysis
- Similar tomb structure found at nearby Cero de Compana site, excavated 40 years prior in 1985
- Entrance was sealed with a large blocking stone
Source: Whats inside the Mysterious 1400 Year old Zapotec Tomb by Archaeologist Ed Barnhart