Ritual deposits from ancient feasts found at Palanque

[Judi Lynn]

Image Credit : THP Creative - Shutterstock

Archaeologists have uncovered hundreds of animal remains placed as ritual deposits from ancient feasts in the Maya city of Palanque.

The discovery was made by researchers from the Palenque Archaeological Project of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), where the team found animal remains, coal, small beads made from shells and a green stone ritually deposited in the El Palacio (meaning palace).

El Palacio is the largest complex within the ruins of Palanque, likely serving as the ceremonial and administrative centre during the 7th and 8th century AD. The complex interior is a maze of 12 rooms or “houses”, two courts and the tower, a four-level square structure unique in the Maya world.

The context of the deposits correspond with having banquets, after which both the food and the used objects were placed in cavities and burnt. Activity such as this was done to ceremoniously start the construction of major building projects or for ritual events.

More:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2022/04/ritual-deposits-from-ancient-feasts-found-at-palanque/143336