PANAMA, Mar 9: Panamanian archaeologists recently made a significant discovery, unearthing a 1,200-year-old tomb brimming with golden artifacts and evidence of human sacrifice. The Ministry of Culture of Panama (MiCultura) announced this finding through a press release in Spanish on Mar. 1, shedding light on the remarkable tomb situated in the Coclé Province of Panama, which dates back to the years 750 to 800 AD. Located within the El Caño Archaeological Park, the tomb was constructed and dedicated to a lord of ancient times.

The tomb's contents were nothing short of extraordinary, featuring an array of gold objects, including circular plates, belts adorned with spherical gold beads, and earrings crafted from sperm whale teeth and shaped like crocodiles, humans, and animals. Additional discoveries within the tomb included bracelets, bells, bone flutes, skirts, and canine tooth bracelets. Archaeologists speculate that the tomb belonged to a revered chief, believed to have passed away in his 30s, with the presence of other individuals buried alongside him suggesting a ritualistic practice aimed at aiding the chief's transition to the afterlife. As excavation efforts continue, led by Dr. Julia Mayo, the project's leader, the full extent of the tomb's occupants and significance remains to be uncovered.