Archaeologists working on the controversial Maya Train project in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula have discovered a 2,000-year-old limestone face carving. The 18-inch-tall sculpture, featuring deep-set eye sockets, a flat nose, and a cleft lip, was found in Sierra Papacal near Mérida during construction of the Mérida-Progreso Railway Bypass. The carving was attached to the foundation of an ovoid building with a west-facing entrance, suggesting it served as a ceremonial marker. Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is overseeing the excavation of 15 other nearby structures, and the artifact will be transported to a laboratory for conservation.
The discovery highlights the tension between large-scale infrastructure development and archaeological preservation. The Maya Train project, which aims to connect historical sites and boost tourism, has unearthed thousands of archaeological objects since 2020, but has also drawn criticism for its environmental and cultural impact. This find underscores the ongoing importance of archaeological oversight in development projects and raises questions about how to balance modernization with the protection of ancient heritage.