A team of Mexican archaeologists has discovered a hidden chamber beneath the Plaza of the Columns in Teotihuacan, containing over 200 miniature butterfly masks crafted from obsidian and shell. The chamber, dating to approximately 350 CE, is believed to be the primary site for an ancient precursor to modern Day of the Dead celebrations, where butterflies were revered as the returning souls of fallen warriors.
The ritual space also contained remnants of marigold pollen and specialized incense burners, indicating that the site hosted large-scale seasonal gatherings. Dr. Elena Ruiz noted that the discovery confirms the existence of highly organized state-sponsored festivals centered on the migration of the monarch butterfly, integrating celestial timing with ancestral veneration in the heart of the ancient metropolis.