Chance finding of a pre-Hispanic burial in the city of Otavalo

Abstract

During excavations for the drinking water network in Otavalo, on July 22, 1985, a pre-Hispanic tomb was fortuitously discovered at the intersection of Roca and Juan Montalvo streets. The tomb, recovered by César Vásquez Fuller and Plutarco Cisneros, contained the skeletal remains of an individual accompanied by a funerary offering composed of several ceramic vessels. The burial was located 135 cm deep in a lateral chamber filled with sand and covered by layers of humus, volcanic tuff and sand. The skeleton, in a flexed position, was surrounded by a double-necked pot, a pot and a compotera, indicative of the importance of the deceased. This discovery, together with the ceramic and bone remains found in upper layers, suggests a continuous use of the site from prehistoric times to the Colonial period. The analysis of the tomb provides valuable information on funerary practices and cultural continuity in Otavalo.