Urns Containing Pre-Hispanic Amazon Relics Found Under Roots Of Massive Tree, Labeled a 'Significant' Discovery

The latest discovery in the Brazilian Amazon could assist researchers in revealing an unknown pre-Hispanic human community in the region. The crucial finding was made by locals in the municipality of Fonte Boa as the exposed roots of a befallen tree in the forest came to light, according to IFL Science. Later, archaeologists were called to the site to analyze the uncanny-looking massive objects in detail. On exploration, experts concluded that the big objects were ancient funerary urns containing human and animal remains, possibly from pre-Hispanic times. In total, there were seven urns, two of which the experts determined as "large" in size.

Researchers have been unable to identify the exact Amazonian community that interred these remains or when this burial happened. The discovery site was in a floodplain area within the Fonte Boa municipality, according to the Daily Star. This place is on Lago do Cochila, an artificial island supposedly built by an ancient civilization from the Middle Solimões region. The riverside community of São Lázaro do Arumandubinha is helping in the investigation, aiding experts in accessing the site through water. The reports indicate that each funerary urn was around 90 cm in diameter and was buried around 16 inches beneath the surface. Analysis revealed that the bones belonged to fish, turtles, and humans. 

Lead archaeologist Geórgea Layla Holanda, from the Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development, shared that the urns were large in volume and showed no signs of a ceramic lid. These urns, at the time of interment, were sealed with organic materials, which appear to have decomposed since then. Experts claimed that the site once boasted several ancient dwellings. These houses stood on earthen and ceramic platforms to resist the floods brought by the nearby river. Holanda believes that these urns were buried beneath one of the ancient dwellings and, over time, which brought on multiple changes, became entwined with the befallen tree's roots.

She deems the urns to be one of the most significant finds of "Amazonian archaeology in recent years." The archaeologist believes so because the urns' contents could shed light on funerary customs and traditions associated with a possibly yet undiscovered multicultural society. The society was composed of many cultures, as the analysis of urns showcases that a diverse number of techniques were in play. Examinations may also reveal the diet undertaken by individuals belonging to this society, leading to further understanding of the conditions prevalent in those times.

Archaeologists also detected green clay in the urns, according to IFL Science. This material has been found in the past at several sites in the Médio Solimões region. This could imply there was a ceramic technique in use at the region, which has still not been uncovered. Researchers want to conduct more examinations before affirming the connection between the urns and any pre-Columbian ceramic tradition. The urns have been transported from the village of São Lázaro do Arumandubinha with the help of locals. At present, they are in a laboratory in Tefé, where experts are conducting further examinations to learn about the cultures that once resided in the Brazilian Amazon.