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.