Archaeologists have unearthed a bizarre statue of a Mayan warrior wearing a snake-shaped helmet from the basement of a Mexican temple dating back to before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas.
According to Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the 33 cm long and 28 cm (11 in) wide sculpture was discovered in the Chichen Itza region of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The statue appears to be of a warrior, wearing winged robes and a snake-shaped helmet with gaping jaws. Researchers believe that it may have been part of a larger sculpture built about a thousand years ago.
The pre-Columbian civilization was one of the largest Maya centers on the Yucatan Peninsula, flourishing between the 9th and 13th centuries AD.
At its height, Chechen Etsa is thought to have been home to thousands of people.
There is also a pyramid called El Castillo at the site, which is about 30 meters (100 ft) high.
INAH is working on the construction of a railway track called ‘Turn Maya’ along with new museums and visitor centers at the popular tourist spot which will connect people with the place.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO, currently at least three and a half thousand tourists come to Chichen Itza every day, and the number can reach eight thousand in the peak season.
(INAH)
This requires constant maintenance and attention to prevent deterioration of the area’s pre-European heritage.
The statue of this warrior, discovered in the Casa Colorada complex at Chichen Itza, was discovered during an archaeological survey during the construction of the railway line.
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During the construction of the railway line, numerous archaeological remains have been discovered so far, including more than 1 million pieces of pottery and 600 human burials.
Numerous architectural structures and various other artefacts have also been discovered.
Researchers say the discovery of a facial sculpture at the Chichen Itza archaeological site is a sign of how today’s people living in the region can stay connected to their past.
The researchers say that despite the cracks, the statue looks distinguished and is in good condition.
INAH added: ‘It can be concluded that the way the sculpture was made corresponds to the style used in the earliest Maya city.’
