Their positioning and movable heads suggest they were used as ritual dolls, according to a study published in Antiquity.
“These figurines are only the second set found in situ and the first to include a male figure,” said Dr. Jan Szymański from the University of Warsaw.
Three of the figurines feature removable heads, resembling modern dolls possibly used during ceremonial performances.
Photo: J. Przedwojewska-Szymańska/PASI
Their dramatic expressions shift with viewing angles, suggesting that they played a role in public rituals.
Photo: J. Przedwojewska-Szymańska/PASI
Researchers also found artifacts similar to those from Guatemala and the Isthmo-Colombian area, hinting at extensive interactions among distant communities.
“This discovery challenges the view that ancient Salvadoran societies were culturally isolated,” Dr. Szymański said, pointing to evidence of dynamic, interconnected groups that shared ideas across Central America.
(jh)
Source: PAP