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maya train old man sculpture construction mexico 2713579

Archaeologists excavating for Mexico's Maya Train project in the Yucatan peninsula have uncovered a 2,000-year-old limestone sculpture of an elderly man, dating to the Preclassic period (2500 B.C.E.–200 C.E.). The 18-inch tall carving, found at the site of Sierra Papacal near Mérida, once marked the entrance of a west-facing ceremonial structure. The sculpture's flat nose, defined lips, and deep eye sockets symbolize wisdom and respect in Maya culture. It will be transferred to a laboratory for conservation and further study.

article news schedule Nov 17, 2025 visibility 2

ancient limestone face carving discovered controversial maya train project excavation 1234761994

Archaeologists working on the controversial Maya Train construction project in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula have uncovered a 2,000-year-old limestone face carving. The 18-inch-tall artifact was found in Sierra Papacal, near Mérida, during construction of the Mérida-Progreso Railway Bypass, part of the Maya Train's freight infrastructure. The carving, which features deep-set eye sockets, a flat nose, and a cleft lip, is believed to represent an elderly man and was positioned as a marker or entrance to a building with an ovoid floor plan. The discovery was announced by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) on November 10, and the artifact will be transported to a laboratory for conservation and analysis.

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