A section of a historic pyramid in Mexico, once used by an ancient tribe for human sacrifices, has collapsed, sparking fears among descendants of the indigenous builders that it may be a “supernatural sign of impending doom.”
Impending doom or something else?
The Yácata pyramid, part of the archaeological site of Ihuatzio in Michoacán state, collapsed after heavy rainfall on July 30, eroded one of its sides. The pyramid, as per The Sun, was originally constructed by ancestors of the Purépecha people, a formidable, bloodthirsty tribe known for defeating the Aztecs.
According to historians, the tribe used the Yácata pyramid to conduct rituals involving human sacrifices to their primary deity, Kurikweri.
The Purépecha tribe, who ruled the region for 400 years before the Spanish conquest in 1519, believed that such natural disasters were ominous signs.
Tariakuiri Alvarez, a descendant of the tribe, told the publication that the storm could be a harbinger of a significant event.
“For our ancestors, the builders, this was a bad omen that indicated the proximity of an important event.”
He linked the collapse to traditional beliefs, recalling how similar occurrences preceded the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
“Before the arrival of the conquistadors, something similar happened, which for the Purépecha worldview of that time was because the gods Nana Kuerhaepiri and K’eri Kurikweri were displeased.”
The Mexican National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) in a statement acknowleged the damage to the pyramid, explaining that it resulted from an unusual combination of extreme weather conditions.
“A collapse occurred in the central part of the southern facade of one of the pyramidal bases of the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone.”
“This happened because of the heavy rainfall in the basin of Lake Pátzcuaro, with an accumulation above the expected average of precipitation,” said the INAH.
“High temperatures, previously recorded in the area, and the consequent drought caused cracks that favoured the filtration of water into the interior of the pre-Hispanic building.”
INAH officials have been on site since the early hours of July 30, assessing the damage. Their preliminary findings reveal significant damage to “at least six of the stepped bodies of the so-called South Base, both in its exterior wall of slabs, as well as in its core and retaining wall.”
The restoration efforts, as per the statement, will involve a detailed, interdisciplinary approach to ensure that the pyramid is not only repaired but also preserved for the future.
(With inputs from agencies)