Tomb with gold and ceramic artifacts discovered in Panama (5 photos)

In the archaeological park of El Caño in the province of Cocle, Panama, a real treasure trove from pre-Hispanic times was found. The tomb, believed to belong to one of the chieftains of Cocle and dating back to 750 AD, contained many valuable funerary offerings.





El Caño is famous for its necropolis with tombs and stone monoliths dating back to 700-1000 AD. AD

Lynette Montenegro, director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, said the discovery marks the continuation of excavations at El Caño.

The project, launched in 2022 as part of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Culture and the El Caño Foundation, aims to thoroughly examine Tomb No. 9.



The contents of the burial, consisting of five pectorals, two belts of gold beads, four bracelets, two earrings in the shape of human figures, one earring in the shape of a crocodile, one necklace of round beads, two bells, bracelets and a skirt made of dog teeth, as well as a set of bone flutes, testifies to the cultural and social richness of the Cocle society.

Julia Mayo, director of the El Caño Foundation and leader of the archaeological project since it began in 2008, emphasized the importance of this discovery.





The high status of the deceased is also indicated by the fact that the servants who were sacrificed are buried next to him.

Mayo noted that the excavation process is ongoing, making it difficult to determine the exact number of people buried.



Chief Cocle rested in a face-down position, which is a common practice in this culture.