Mexico to Divert Train Route After Cave Art Discovery

"One anthropomorphic character drawn on a cliff near La Requena Dam held a chīmalli, an elaborate shield produced by the Aztecs from bird feathers."

"Another figure wore a headdress and had enlarged eyes, features consistent with the Aztec deity Tlaloc, who is associated with rain and caves."

"One character, dated to prehistoric times, is painted red and holds either a snake or a bolt of lightning."

"The artworks, including paintings and petroglyphs, surfaced as part of an archaeological project supported by the Mexican government and the National Institute of Anthropology and History."

Archaeologists in Mexico uncovered 16 pre-Hispanic artworks, including paintings and petroglyphs, along a planned high-speed train route. The discovery, supported by the Mexican government and INAH, led President Claudia Sheinbaum to announce a reroute of the $8 billion train project to protect the site. The artworks date from the Postclassic period of Mesopotamia to prehistoric times, featuring human and animal figures. Notable findings include depictions of Aztec deities and an anthropomorphic character holding a chīmalli, reflecting significant Mesoamerican cultural heritage.

Read at Hyperallergic