Rainstorm "Tunnels" and New Discoveries
Discovery

2003

Type

Underground tunnel with 3 chambers

Dimensions

103 m long; up to 18 m deep at the center of the pyramid

Finds

Pyrite spheres, vessels, conch shells, jade, feline skulls, 4 anthropomorphic stone sculptures

Interpretation

Re-creation of the underworld as a reflection of the cosmos

In the galleries this tunnel leads to, thousands of offerings were found. In the absolute darkness of the tunnel, the gallery floors, covered in pyrite, created under torchlight the effect of an inverted underground night sky. Liquid mercury was also found. Its presence, even in tiny quantities, has drawn considerable attention. Excavations have now been ongoing for more than 20 years, revealing spaces and settings that seem designed to induce profound ritual experiences.