Archaeologists recently made an exciting discovery atop the largest pyramidal structure at the San Isidro site in El Salvador. Five ceramic figurines were unearthed, sparking new discussions about the role of ritualistic practices and cultural connections in ancient Central America. The figurines date back to around 400 BC, a time spanning the Preclassic (2000 BC–AD 200) and Classic (AD 200–900) periods, offering a glimpse into the ritualistic practices that may have bound communities across the region. The research detailing this discovery was published in Antiquity, adding significant insight to our understanding of ancient Central American cultures.
El Salvador’s archaeology has long been overshadowed by that of its neighboring countries. While neighboring regions, such as Guatemala and Mexico, have been the focus of extensive research and excavation, El Salvador’s archaeological landscape remains relatively underexplored. Its high population density, combined with volcanic eruptions that have obscured many sites, has made it difficult for archaeologists to thoroughly study the region’s ancient history. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge about the identities and ethnolinguistic affiliations of the creators of ancient settlements that predate European arrival in the early 16th century. According to Dr. Jan Szymański from the University of Warsaw, this gap in knowledge is particularly profound as researchers look further back in time.
To address this, Dr. Szymański, along with colleague Gabriela Prejs, focused on excavating San Isidro, a large and previously unexplored site located in the Department of Sonsonate in western El Salvador. Their work aimed to fill the knowledge void about the area’s ancient inhabitants, and what they uncovered would offer fascinating new insights into the region’s cultural and ritualistic life.
At the top of the site’s largest pyramid, the archaeologists stumbled upon a rich offering. Interestingly, while the offering resembled a funeral deposit, there were no human remains present, a feature that made the find all the more intriguing. The discovery consisted of five ceramic figurines, which were remarkably well-preserved and dated to approximately 400 BC. These figurines would be only the second group of such artifacts discovered in situ, with the added significance of being the first to feature a male figure.
The figurines themselves are particularly noteworthy. Three of them feature articulated heads, which gives them a striking resemblance to modern-day toy dolls. This characteristic led the researchers to suggest that the figurines might have served as a form of ritual puppetry. The concept of puppetry in ancient rituals is not new, but it’s the first time that such a discovery has been made in this particular region, providing critical new data on the cultural practices of ancient Central American societies. The figurines were likely positioned in specific arrangements, or “tableaux,” intended to convey messages or represent stories that are now lost to time.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the figurines is the design of their faces. The facial expressions change depending on the angle from which they are viewed. When seen from above, the figures appear almost to be grinning; however, from a more level perspective, their expressions become angry or disdainful, and when viewed from below, they appear frightened. This conscious design suggests that the figurines were crafted with the intention of enhancing their use in ritual performances, perhaps to symbolize a range of emotions or reactions in different ceremonial contexts. This innovative design is likely indicative of the sophisticated nature of the rituals in which the figurines were involved.
The discovery of these figures atop the largest pyramid at San Isidro suggests that they played an important role in public rituals or ceremonies. Given their dramatic facial expressions and the ritualistic nature of their positioning, the figurines may have been used to dramatize certain events or spiritual themes. This would further support the idea that ritual puppetry, or some form of similar theatrical performance, was a key component of cultural practices in the region.
The significance of the figurines extends beyond their design and placement. Their style is consistent with similar figurines found in both western El Salvador and southern Guatemala, regions that were connected through cultural and ritual exchanges in antiquity. The discovery also included other artifacts, such as jade pendants, which are characteristic of the Isthmo-Colombian area, an area encompassing modern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. These shared materials, particularly the jade, suggest that the local elite of San Isidro had connections with other powerful and influential elites across the region, reinforcing the idea of far-reaching networks of interaction and exchange.
The evidence from San Isidro challenges previous assumptions about El Salvador’s historical isolation. For many years, archaeologists believed that the region had remained culturally isolated, with limited interaction with neighboring areas. However, the discovery of these figurines, along with the other artifacts, paints a very different picture. The presence of these items, which were also found in other distant parts of Mesoamerica, suggests that San Isidro was part of a broader web of cultural exchange and interaction. The local elite, far from being isolated, were likely connected to elites from far-off areas, sharing ritual practices, materials, and ideas.
This discovery stands in stark contrast to the traditional view of El Salvador as a culturally stagnant region during the ancient periods. Dr. Szymański highlights how this finding not only provides new insight into the past but also challenges older paradigms that considered El Salvador to be backward or isolated. Instead, it reveals that ancient communities in the region were vibrant, dynamic, and actively engaged in the exchange of ideas and goods. This newfound understanding opens up new possibilities for studying the region’s role in the broader context of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies.
The study of the figurines at San Isidro also contributes to our broader understanding of ancient Central American culture. Ritual practices involving figurines and puppetry were likely prevalent throughout the region, and these artifacts serve as a key example of how such practices might have been used in different cultural contexts. The use of figurines as puppets or in ritual performances shows the importance of symbolism and theatricality in these ancient societies. They were not merely decorative objects; rather, they were integral to the performance of rituals and the communication of complex ideas, emotions, and stories. The possibility that these figurines were used as part of a larger ritual performance suggests a high degree of cultural sophistication and an understanding of the power of visual and emotional expression.
Additionally, the materials used in the figurines, such as the ceramic composition, suggest that the artisans at San Isidro possessed significant skill in ceramic production. The ceramic technique, along with the articulation of the figurines’ heads, indicates that the people of San Isidro had mastered complex pottery techniques, and their artistic capabilities were on par with those of other advanced cultures in the region.
Dr. Szymański and Prejs’s work at San Isidro, along with the discovery of these extraordinary ceramic figurines, provides crucial new information about the ancient societies of El Salvador. Their findings shed light on the long-distance interactions that occurred between different Mesoamerican cultures and demonstrate the interconnectedness of communities across the region. By studying these figurines and the associated artifacts, archaeologists can gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and religious structures that existed in ancient Central America. The discovery not only challenges traditional views about El Salvador’s pre-Columbian history but also offers exciting possibilities for future research into the cultural and ritual life of ancient societies across Mesoamerica.
More information: Of puppets and puppeteers: Preclassic clay figurines from San Isidro, El Salvador. Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.37