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2w ago

Archaeologists Complete Excavation of Te K’ab Chaak’s Tomb at Caracol

Ongoing jadeite mask reconstruction and DNA and isotope analyses aim to shed light on early Maya dynastic origins and ties with Teotihuacan

Diane Z. Chase in the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak with vessels in the foreground and jadeite mask to the left and the south wall niche.
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Overview

  • Researchers finished unearthing Te K’ab Chaak’s burial chamber at the base of Caracol’s Northeast Acropolis shrine, marking the first identifiable royal tomb in over 40 years of excavations.
  • The interment contained eleven pottery vessels, a jadeite mosaic mask, jadeite jewelry, carved bone tubes, and Pacific spondylus shells, underscoring elite Maya mortuary customs.
  • Osteological study shows the ruler died around 350 AD at an advanced age, measured about 5 feet 7 inches tall, and had lost all his teeth.
  • Radiocarbon dates and central Mexican artifacts in the tomb indicate pre-entrada diplomatic and ritual contacts between Caracol and Teotihuacan.
  • Teams are now reconstructing the jadeite mask and performing ancient DNA and stable isotope analyses ahead of an August conference on Maya–Teotihuacan interactions.