2,400-Year-Old Clay Puppets Unearthed on El Salvador Pyramid

The discovery of figurines with movable heads challenges assumptions about the region's ancient cultural connections and rituals.

Archaeologists uncovered five ceramic figurines, known as Bolinas, at the San Isidro archaeological site in El Salvador, dating back to 410–380 BCE.
Three of the figurines feature detachable heads and expressive faces that change appearance based on viewing angles, suggesting use in public rituals or performances.
The discovery includes one male figurine, notable for facial tattoos, alongside four female figurines, marking the first group of such artifacts to include a male figure.
Researchers believe the puppets may have been used to recreate mythical or historical events, a practice tied to Mesoamerican ritual traditions.
The findings indicate cultural connections between ancient El Salvador and other Central American regions, challenging the idea of the area’s isolation in pre-Columbian times.