Deep within the lush, dense rainforests of Petén, Guatemala, an extraordinary archaeological find has captivated the world. Buried for nearly 1,700 years, a mysterious, interlocking jade mask believed to belong to a previously unknown Maya king has been uncovered at the remote site of Chochkitam. This remarkable discovery not only sheds new light on the religious devotion and royal succession of the Maya civilization, but also supports the theory that Maya royals were influenced by powerful Mesoamerican dynasties.
The Discovery of a Royal Pyramid and Coffin
The Chochkitam site has long remained a mystery, obscured by the surrounding rainforest and the ravages of time since its initial discovery in the early 20th century. Located in the northeastern lowlands of Guatemala, the site has been challenging to study due to its remote location and the limited textual records from the Maya Classic period (A.D. 250 – 900) – the peak of Maya civilization, which has been further complicated by extensive looting.
In 2021, archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer Francisco Estrada-Belli, using lidar technology, discovered evidence that looters had already tunneled into a seemingly royal pyramid within Chochkitam’s monumental core. However, Estrada-Belli and his colleague Bhanny Giron identified a spot the looters had missed and decided to excavate. Their persistence paid off when Giron found a skull, some teeth, and a coffin-shaped stone box. Despite the box’s collapsed top, they discovered offerings accompanying the burial, including a pot, huge oyster shells, pieces of bone, and carefully arranged shiny jade chunks.
A Jade Mask Fit for a King
Back in the lab in late June 2022, Estrada-Belli focused on the jade chunks, known as tesserae. These tesserae had been used in other Maya sites to form mosaic masks for royal burials, often representing deities or ancestors associated with the wealth and power of the buried individuals. With a few movements, Estrada-Belli assembled the jade into a face complete with spiral eyes and sharp teeth – a stunning revelation of the lost Maya king’s regalia and royal power.
Further investigation revealed that some bones in the crypt were finely carved, likely using volcanic obsidian glass. Remarkably, two of these carved bones were not from the buried king, but revealed the identity of the royal ruler. One carving depicted a ruler holding up the head of a Maya deity, the same god represented in the jade mask.
Connections to Tikal and Teotihuacán
Estrada-Belli suggests that this Maya king was part of a network of Maya royalty influenced by the larger cities of Tikal and Teotihuacán. Tikal, located in Petén, and Teotihuacán, in modern-day Mexico, were more influential than Chochkitam. Although there is no explicit statement of vassalage at Chochkitam, the findings imply that the site’s rulers were likely vassals of Tikal directly and Teotihuacán indirectly.
Future Research and Implications
There is still much to learn about the kings of Chochkitam and their connections to other powerful rulers of the early Classic period. Estrada-Belli and his colleagues plan to pursue ancient DNA studies of the bones found at the site and search for more treasures within the abandoned pyramids.
Conclusion
The discovery of the jade mask and the carved bones offers a rare thrill in the laborious world of archaeological research. This find allows us to glimpse the lost Maya king’s regalia and royal power, highlighting the intricate relationships and influences between Maya cities and other Mesoamerican dynasties. As Estrada-Belli notes, it is a tremendous privilege to uncover such significant historical artifacts, reminding us that sometimes, in archaeology, we do get lucky.
