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1000 Year Old Tomb with Gold Artifacts Discovered in Central Panama
Archaeologists have uncovered a richly furnished tomb more than 1,000 years old at the El Caño archaeological site in Panama’s central provinces, shedding new light on pre-Hispanic societies of the region.
The burial, dated between AD 800 and 1000, was found in the Natá district, about 200 kilometers southwest of Panama City. The site has been under excavation for two decades and has previously yielded numerous remains linked to complex indigenous chiefdoms.
The newly discovered tomb contained human skeletal remains accompanied by gold ornaments and finely decorated ceramic vessels. Among the objects recovered were bracelets, earrings, and a pectoral ornament featuring animal imagery, including bats and crocodiles. The presence of these items indicates that the individual held high social status within their community.
Researchers note that the El Caño site served as a ceremonial burial ground for approximately two centuries, during which generations were interred with elaborate offerings. At least nine similar high-status tombs have previously been documented at the site.
According to officials, the discovery represents a significant contribution to the study of pre-Hispanic societies in the Central American isthmus. The funerary evidence suggests that social hierarchy continued to hold importance even after death, reflecting beliefs in an afterlife where status and identity were preserved.
Published on: 22-02-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: Phys.org