Municipal workers stumble upon ancient tomb in Colombia

A second culturally significant ancient tomb was accidentally uncovered in Medellin, Colombia last Friday.

The indigenous tomb was discovered just outside of Colombia’s second largest city Medellin
by municipal workers while repairing water lines [Credit: Esteban Vanegas]

Municipal workers uncovered the indigenous tomb while repairing water lines in Colombia’s second largest city.  The discovery was made in the residential neighbor of La Colinita de Guayabal according to El Colombiano.

The tomb held numerous ornate burial gifts, including gold jewelry and ceramics, leading archaeologist to believe the ancient tomb belonged to the ‘Aburraes” indigenous tribe.  Medellin sits in a narrow valley originally inhabited by the Aburraes Indians.  The Aburra Valley was home to the indigenous tribe from 940-to-1540 A.D.

Spindle whorl discovered in the timb [Credit: Esteban Vanegas]

The tribe lived from weaving, goldsmithing and agriculture.  The name “Aburrá” comes from the ancient language spoken by the Aburreans before the Spanish arrived. The tribe became almost extinct when the Spanish brought disease and forced them into hard labor.

Thus far over ten weaving wheels, several gold nose-ring, ceramics, and coal have been unearthed.  Colombia’s culture ministry has confirmed they will excavate the site further and will work with archaeologists from the University of Paris.

The first ancient tomb found accidentally in Medellin was uncovered in September by transit workers. In that instance the tomb is thought to be pre-Columbian occupied during the 12th and 17th centuries by ancient tribes people.

Source: Hispanically Speaking News [November 05, 2013]