Why Were Ancient ‘Puppet’ Figurines Placed Atop A Pre-Columbian Pyramid In El Salvador?

Conny Waters –  MessageToEagle.com – The archaeology of pre-Columbian El Salvador remains less explored compared to its neighboring countries, primarily due to challenges such as high population density and volcanic eruptions that have obscured many sites.

This makes any new archaeological discoveries from the region particularly exciting. According to Dr. Jan Szymanski from the University of Warsaw, there is limited knowledge about the identities and ethnolinguistic affiliations of those who created ancient settlements before Europeans arrived in the early 16th century, with information becoming scarcer as we look further back in time.

To address this knowledge gap, Dr. Szymanski and his colleague, Gabriela Prejs, excavated San Isidro in Sonsonate, western El Salvador—a previously unexplored site by archaeologists. Their work led to an unexpected but significant discovery: five ceramic figurines found atop the largest pyramidal structure at San Isidro. There were no human remains at the site. The style of these figurines indicates that ritual puppetry might have connected Central American societies during both the Preclassic (2000 BC–AD 200) and Classic (AD 200–900) periods.

The smallest figurine from the tableau fits inside the hollow belly of another figurine found outside of the deposit. Credit: G. Prejs/PASI.

This discovery provides valuable insights into ancient cultural practices and connections within Central America during these historical periods.

“This finding is only the second such a group found in situ, and the first to feature a male figure,” Dr. Szymański says.

Location of the tableau and the hollow figurine body in the excavation on top of Cerrito 1, north at the top. Credit: M. Sokołowski/PASI.

Three of the figurines feature articulated heads, making them similar to modern toy dolls. According to the authors, these figurines may have functioned as ancient puppets arranged into a scene or “tableau” intended to convey a message that remains unknown today. Their placement on top of the largest pyramid at the site indicates their involvement in significant, possibly public, rituals.

Head of the male figurine with tattoos or scarification. Width 55mm. Credit: J. Przedwojewska-Szymańska/PASI

“One of the most striking features of the puppets is their dramatic facial expression, which changes depending on the angle that we look at them from,” says Dr. Szymański. “Seen from above they appear almost grinning, but when looked at from the level angle they turn angry or disdainful, to become scared when seen from below. This is a conscious design, perhaps meant to enhance the gamut of ritual performances the puppets could have been used in.”

This style of figurine is located in both western El Salvador and southern Guatemala. Additionally, other artifacts found in the deposit, like jade pendants, are recognized from the Isthmo-Colombian region encompassing modern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.