gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, archaeology, history, archaeogemology

It was in 1945, during the 13th Season of Archaeological Explorations at Monte Albán, that, while making a test trench on the platform connecting Mounds “II” and “P,” a tunnel was discovered that was partially destroyed. Clearing work showed that it passed beneath the platform and extended into the subsoil of the Central Plaza. A year later, in 1946, continuing its excavation, we were able to reach a point very near the base of the shrine on Mound “H” (Fig. 1), precisely where it ends before reaching the rear part of a stone wall corresponding to a structure located beneath the level of both the Plaza and the shrine. After excavating 1.57 m along the front of the wall, we found its flagstone floor, upon which were discovered the skeletons of a multiple burial, among whom was the owner of the pectoral.