Hidden for over two millennia beneath the soil of El Salvador, a set of five ceramic figurines has resurfaced to tell stories that once echoed through ancient ritual and performance.
With shifting facial expressions that change depending on where you stand—grinning from above, angry at eye level, and frightened from below—these 2,400-year-old puppets are more than archaeological curiosities.
They are storytellers, crafted by skilled hands to captivate and connect their communities through sacred ceremonies atop a pyramid.
Their movable heads and expressive features reveal a culture rich in emotion, creativity, and spiritual depth—offering a glimpse into the heart of ancient Mesoamerica.
This extraordinary discovery challenges old assumptions, linking El Salvador to broader storytelling traditions around the world.
Who were these puppets made for? What stories did they tell? And why were they placed so intentionally in such a sacred space?
Dive into the full story to uncover the magic they still hold today.
