Prehistoric Stone Altar with Human Remains Discovered in Central Mexico

Archaeologists conducting salvage work for a new passenger train line between Querétaro and Mexico City have unearthed a 1,000-year-old Toltec stone altar. Located within the Tula Archaeological Monument Zone in Hidalgo, the three-level structure was found alongside four human skulls, long bones, a black ceramic bowl, and obsidian blades. Preliminary assessments by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) suggest the remains belong to individuals offered as ritual sacrifices.

1,000-year-old Toltec altar with four human skulls found in Mexico

Archaeologists from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have discovered a 1,000-year-old Toltec altar during salvage work for a new high-speed rail line between Mexico City and Querétaro. The stone structure, known as a momoztli, dates back to AD 900-1150 and was found with four human skulls and leg bones arranged at its base, suggesting ritual or sacrificial use. Located near the ancient site of Tula Chico, the find also included ceramic objects and obsidian artifacts within a compound likely belonging to the local elite.

99 Variations of a Volcano

99 Variationen eines Vulkans

Julian Charrière has released a new artist's book titled "After the Smoke Cradle," documenting a series of 99 lithographs originally exhibited at the Verein für Originalgraphik in Zurich. The project features 33 variations of three different volcanoes, created using a unique process where the artist transformed collected lava, ash, obsidian, and sulfur into printing pigments. This material-focused approach ensures that the physical essence of the volcanic sites is literally embedded into the photographic imagery.

Local artist to feature at one-day-only Calgary art gallery

Local Strathmore artist Emmeline Keeling will participate in the one-day Obsidian Art Show at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Center. She is among over 50 artists selected for the event, which is organized by the Public Display Agency to connect artists with gallery owners from Webster Galleries, The New Gallery, and Gallery Underground.

Youth Art Exhibition Celebrates Local Talent

The 2025 Mansfield Youth Art Exhibition concluded its month-long run at the Mansfield Information Centre Gallery, showcasing works by seven young local artists aged 14 to 20. The exhibition launched on September 5 with an opening event attended by 40 guests, featuring live acoustic music by Alana Beattie. Two awards were presented: the Amplify Artist Award to Abigail Wettenhall for her multi-medium display, and the ‘Framing the Future’ People’s Choice Award to Molly Purcell for her oil and acrylic painting Obsidian, which received over 200 public votes. Mayor Steve Rabie and Councillor Bonnie Clark praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of supporting youth creativity.

Youth Art Exhibition Celebrates Local Talent

The 2025 Mansfield Youth Art Exhibition concluded its month-long run at the Mansfield Information Centre Gallery, showcasing works by seven local artists aged 14 to 20. The exhibition launched on September 5 with an opening attended by 40 guests, featuring live music by Alana Beattie. Two awards were presented: the Amplify Artist Award to Abigail Wettenhall for her multi-medium display, and the 'Framing the Future' People's Choice Award to Molly Purcell for her oil and acrylic painting Obsidian, which won over 200 public votes.