In the dense rainforests of Petén, Guatemala, the little-known archaeological site of Chochkitam has revealed a breathtaking find: a mysterious, interlocking jade mask believed to belong to a previously unknown Maya king. This discovery not only sheds light on the religious devotion and royal succession of the Maya civilization nearly 1,700 years ago 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, long obscured by the dense rainforest and the ravages of time, has remained a mystery since its discovery in the early 20th century. Located in the northeastern lowlands of Guatemala, the site has been difficult to study due to its remote location and the limited texts from the Maya Classic period (A.D. 250 – 900). This period, representing the peak of the Maya civilization, 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 missed and decided to excavate.
Unearthing the Tomb
The excavation was challenging, with Estrada-Belli and Giron digging more than seven meters into the pyramid, feeling more like they were digging a well. 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: 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 colleague noticed that some bones in the crypt were finely carved, likely using volcanic obsidian glass. Remarkably, two of these bones were not the buried king’s 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.
