PANAMA CITY, PANAMA—CBS News reports that a 1,200-year-old tomb of the Coclé culture containing the remains of an elite lord, as many as 31 sacrificial victims, and gold artifacts has been discovered in Panama’s El Caño Archaeological Park. The gold objects include bracelets, two belts made with gold beads, crocodile-shaped earrings, earrings made of gold-covered sperm whale teeth, and circular gold plates. A set of bone flutes, two bells, skirts made with dog teeth, and earrings shaped like a man and a woman were also recovered. Archaeologist Julia Mayo of the El Caño Foundation said that the lord, who was about 30 years old at the time of his death, was buried face down on top of the body of a woman, which is typical of this type of Coclé culture burial. The excavation of the tomb will continue, she concluded. To read about early evidence for shamanistic practices in Central America dating as far back as 4,800 years ago, go to "World Roundup: Panama."
