Muscat: Researchers in Mexico have uncovered 179 pre-Hispanic artifacts distributed across 13 sites within the "Mundo Suk­" cave in the municipality of Sital¡, in the state of Chiapas.

According to Oman News Agency, Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History reported that the discovery followed a tip from a local tour guide, prompting the institution's experts to conduct field research between February and June.

Within the cave, researchers documented censers, vessels, and ceramic jars, which preliminary estimates date to the Classical period (600-900 AD). These artifacts bear intricate motifs representing jaguars, owls, and serpents-symbols deeply rooted in the belief systems of the Zoque people.

The institute stated that further studies will continue utilizing three-dimensional imaging techniques and chemical analyses to detect possible remains of copal incense, ash, or bone within the artifacts.