A 2000-Year-Old Green Serpentine Mask Unearthed At The Base Of A Pyramid In Mexico

Mexico can be considered the most archaeologically rich country in the world. It features just about everything including crater sites, pyramids, dinosaurs, and prehistoric men remain, making it an archaeological wonderland. Just recently, ancient offerings were discovered beneath the Pyramid of the Sun. Experts believe the detailed greenstone mask that was unearthed beneath the pyramid might be a portrait of a specific person at the time.

A detailed green stone mask unearthed beneath Mexico's Pyramid of the Sun may be a portrait of a specific individual. Image: © INAH

Located in the north-eastern region of Mexico, the Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in Teotihuacan. The site has been said to be dated back to 100 B.C. Historians believed that the city has been inhabited for hundreds of years and that the renowned pyramid structure would have likely been built around the year A.D. 100.

Pyramid of the Sun: The temple complex located in the Teotihuacan, Mexico is a very large stone pyramid that rises from a grass field. The pyramid is made up of several different levels, with stairs leading from level to level.

Archaeological experts believed that about 2,000 years ago, the items found including the green mask may have been placed at the Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun. The experts theorized that the treasures may have been placed there to mark the start of the construction of the infamous pyramid. Of the treasures found, the three greenstone figurines were the most noticeable according to the experts.

The most obvious physical properties of serpentine are its green color, patterned appearance, and slippery feel. These remind the observer of a snake and that is where the name "serpentine" was derived.

The country's main archaeological agency, National Institute of Anthropology and History, with help of their fellow archaeologists, has been inspecting the pyramid sites over the last several years. After intensive excavation involving 59 holes and 3 short tunnels, they have uncovered seven human burial sites including those of children. Some of these burial sites were even dated before the Pyramid of the Sun. Perez Cortez, an investigator from Zacatecas National Institute of Anthropology and History center, believes the green mask along with the other offerings found at the Pyramid's base was likely a part of a dedication ceremony.