Discovery of a Structure Dedicated to Kukulcan

Finding in El Tigre Reveals Cultural Connections. Discovery of a Structure Dedicated to Kukulcan

A recent archaeological discovery has brought to light a unique structure in El Tigre, Campeche, dating from the final stage of the Mayan occupation, between 1000 and 1200 AD.

This discovery, made by experts from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), linked to the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico, stands out for its possible connection with the cult of Kukulcan, a Mayan deity equivalent to the wind god Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatl of the Altiplano.

In a recent press conference led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Diego Prieto Hernández, general director of INAH, highlighted this discovery.

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Discovery of a Structure Dedicated to Kukulcan

The site of El Tigre, located in the municipality of Candelaria, reveals the cultural richness of the region, with an impressive circular building.

The exploration is part of the Archaeological Zone Improvement Program (Promeza), which has incorporated 1,530 meters of interpretive trails and has modernized 49 information plaques, as well as the beginning of the construction of a Visitor Service Center (Catvi).

The excavations, directed by Ernesto Vargas Pacheco and with progress of 87%, have consolidated a two-level structure, crowned by a flat-roofed temple. This type of structure is not unique to El Tigre, with similar examples in Edzná, Becán, Uxmal and Chichen Itza, among other important sites in the Yucatán Peninsula.

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Discovery of a Structure Dedicated to Kukulcan

Vargas Pacheco emphasizes the importance of El Tigre in the context of the Early Postclassic (1000-1200 AD). During this phase, the region maintained intense ties with areas such as central Mexico, Oaxaca, and the Gulf Coast, influencing the adoption of the cult of Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatl.

The Paxbolón Maldonado Papers, viceregal documents, refer to El Tigre as a site with temples dedicated to main deities of the Mayan period, including Kukulcán, which could identify El Tigre with the Itzamkanac of historical sources.

The Alberto Ruz L’huillier Site Museum has advanced 36% in its restructuring and updating, and the construction of the Catvi was recently completed, hosting an important meeting between Latin American leaders.

To conclude, Hernández reported that as of October 30, 2023, INAH has recorded and preserved 2,698 structures, 249 artifacts, 289,100 ceramic fragments, 177 human remains, and 55 natural features associated with ancient settlements, underscoring the continued commitment to preservation of Mexico’s rich cultural legacy.

R. Discovery of a Structure Dedicated to Kukulcan