Remarkable discovery of stele in Cobá: INAH

As part of the Archaeological Zones Improvement Program (Promeza) implemented along the route of the Mayan Train, “one of the most notable discoveries we have had thanks to archaeological research, both salvage and improvement of archaeological sites: the recovery of a glyphic panel that was located in a waterhole very close to the Nohoch Mul structure in Cobá, Quintana Roo,” announced the director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Diego Prieto Hernández, at the morning conference of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Through a video broadcast at the presidential conference, the institute revealed details of the significance of this discovery, which is located some 160 meters from Nohoch Mul, considered the tallest Mayan building on the peninsula, a construction that in the thick jungle allowed for visual dominance of the surroundings.

It is a panel composed of 123 hieroglyphic cartridges, in an extensive L-shaped inscription, just over 11 square meters, carved directly into the rock.

A preliminary epigraphic study indicates that the inscriptions refer to the founding date of the town of Keh Witz Nal or Deer Mountain, corresponding to May 12, 569 AD.

Panel with 123 hieroglyphic cartridges discovered in Cobá, an archaeological site located in Quintana Roo. Photo courtesy of INAH

Through research, it was possible to recognize the name of a sovereign, K’awiil Ch’ak Chéen, a character identified for the first time, thus filling a gap in the dynastic sequence of Cobá.

The INAH reported that this confirmed that many of the rulers adopted the name of the god K’awil, which gave them attributes as protective deities of the place.

“The writing on the rock panel links events from historical times with the mythical past, referring to a set of tutelary gods who founded Cobá, such as Bolón Tz’akab Ajaw, Lord of Countless Generations, in charge of founding the corn and cocoa dynasties,” INAH stated.

Following this discovery, as part of the Promeza, actions were implemented to protect and recover the deck, such as restoration with injection of lime mortar fillings in order to give internal resistance to the rock, which has external cavities due to the seasonal action of water on the stone.