Rich Gran Coclé grave

In the tropical lowlands of central Panama, located in the Natá de los Caballeros District, about 124 miles southwest of Panama City, archaeologists unearthed a stunningly rich tomb.

The Gran Coclé culture first emerged around 150 C.E. and thrived. The central figure in Tomb 3 dates back to between 800 and 1000 A.D. Archaeologists cataloged an array of grave goods, including gold pectorals resting on the chest, two matching bracelets and two heavy earrings, as well as finely painted ceramics.

Rich burials at El Caño have appeared for years. In a previous find from the same necropolis, researchers uncovered the 1,200-year-old grave of a high-status chief — a man in his 30s — whose journey to the afterlife required 31 other people who were “sacrificed to serve as companions.” The 'Lord of the Flutes' as some might call him based on the grave goods, was found in a position that defines the Coclé elite ritual. He had been buried face down — a standard practice for high-ranking individuals of this era — resting directly on top of the body of a woman.

This older tomb includes two belts made entirely of gold beads and two delicate gold bells. Archaeologists also found earrings fashioned from sperm whale teeth and capped in gold, which is a clear sign of long-distance maritime trade.