A joint expedition in the Guerrero highlands has unsealed a pristine Early Formative Olmec chamber dedicated to the production of ritual fragrances and oils. The site contains a series of ceramic distillation vessels and carved stone mortars that still retain organic residues. Chemical analysis has identified a base of fermented cacao and wild orchid resins, marking the earliest known evidence of complex perfume manufacturing in Mesoamerica.
The perfumery was located adjacent to a jade-carving workshop, suggesting that scent was an integral part of high-status craftsmanship and religious offerings. Archaeologists also discovered a cache of small obsidian vials, some still sealed with pine pitch, which may contain the world's oldest liquid aromatic compounds. This discovery highlights the sophisticated sensory culture of the Olmec beyond their monumental stone sculpture.