A collection of 2,400-year-old ceramic puppets found atop a Salvadorian pyramid are forcing archaeologists to rethink the country’s historical connection with its Central American neighbors. Three of the figures were made of fine clay and had adjustable heads with holes in them that may have been controlled using a string,

Two archaeologists discovered the ceramic figurines—possibly used as puppets—at the top of a pyramid, and three of them have adjustable heads.

In 2022, archaeologists were excavating ancient ruins in El Salvador when they came across five clay figurines atop the site's tallest pyramid. While examining the artifacts, researchers realized that strings could be threaded through small holes in their necks to make their heads turn from side to side.

Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery atop a pyramid in San Isidro, El Salvador—a set of 2,400-year-old ceramic puppets. According to the research team, these mysterious and expressive puppets may have played a role in ancient public rituals.

This was a kiln-er find. Puppets with remarkable facial features believed to date back some 2,400 years have been discovered at the top of an ancient pyramid in the jungle of El Salvador. The incredible find suggests that indigenous Salvadorians had a much closer connection to the wider ancient Mesoamerican world than previously thought,