Remains found in Mexico came from ancient cemetery

A representative of Mexico's main anthropology agency says the remains of 167 people found in a cave in the country's south were part of a pre-Hispanic cemetery dating back some 1,300 years. 

In this photo released by the Chiapas state Attorney General's Office, skulls that were found in a cave sit on a table at the Chiapas state attorney general's office in Tuxla Gutierrez, Mexico, Saturday March 10, 2012. Mexican authorities say they've found the remains of as many as 167 people in a southern Mexican cave, and forensic experts believe the remains are at least 50 years old [Credit: AP/Chiapas state Attorney General's Office]

The Chiapas state prosecutor's office said authorities found the remains on Friday on the Nuevo Ojo de Agua ranch in a region where Central American migrants pass through while heading north. Local farmers had first come across the cave last week and had alerted authorities. 

In this photo released by the Chiapas state Attorney General's Office, human skulls and other bones that were found in a cave sit on a table at the Chiapas state attorney general's office in Tuxla Gutierrez, Mexico, Saturday March 10, 2012. Mexican authorities say they've found the remains of as many as 167 people in a southern Mexican cave, and forensic experts believe the remains are at least 50 years old [Credit: AP/Chiapas state Attorney General's Office]

Emilio Gallaga of the national anthropology institute says the first test results show the remains come from a still-unspecified pre-Hispanic community dating to the eighth century. He says clay artwork that could have come from a pre-Hispanic group was also found in the cave. 

Source: Associated Press [March 11, 2012]