Cave of Mela
Jōmon (14000–300 BCE)·Jōmon·🇲🇽 Chiapas, Mexico
About
About Cave of Mela
Cave of Mela in Chiapas, Mexico is a Jōmon (14000–300 BCE) cave attributed to Jōmon culture. Systematically investigated through ground-penetrating radar and stratigraphic excavation, it presents a principal enclosure with ancillary settlement. Construction employs mudbrick on stone socle and demonstrates long-distance exchange. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Jōmon cave with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Ritual use and symbolic landscape
- 02Astronomical alignment and orientation
Theories
- 01Astronomical observatory and calendar
- 02Elite residence and administrative centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1906 BCE
- Period
- Jōmon (14000–300 BCE)
- Culture
- Jōmon
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and settlement
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1906 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 1562 BCE
Architectural refurbishment
c. 162 CE
Reoccupation and adaptation
1885
Rediscovery and systematic excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
18.3329° N · 91.8340° W · 454 m · 3 mapped features
Granary Cluster
reservoirOutlier feature with geoglyph
18.3314° N · 91.8355° WNecropolis Extension
tombPrimary cave at Cave of Mela — enclosure wall
18.3323° N · 91.8349° WAltar
hydraulicBurial zone — rock-cut chambers
18.3306° N · 91.8357° W