Los Placeres Ancient Burial Site
So many areas are encroached upon by human activity. It is not only the fauna and flora that are affected by the development of villages and towns but the futures of archeological sites such as Los Placeres are also hanging in the balance. With ongoing housing developments and digging to lay plumbing and water supply, the site that holds the secrets to the ancestors of Nicaragua is in danger. Los Placeres has revealed so many ancient wonders and artifacts that scientists are doing all they can to preserve the site.
Just past Lake Managua lies the suburbs of Tabacalera and Waspan in Managua. And it is here that Los Placeres is located. Excavations and documentation of the site and its wonders began in the 1980s by a group of archeologists led by Dr. Frederick Lange. Los Placeres turned out to be much more than expected, as remains and items from various time periods were discovered. Structures and burials relating to the periods 500 to 800 CE were found, as well as from then until 1530 CE. This covered a variety of cultures. Through controlled excavations over the following years, much has been learnt and interpreted from this site. Archeologists faced many setbacks such as grave robbery, erosion, financial woes and natural disasters, but their persistence paid off. Some items found in the burial sites included utensils, ollas, pottery and even dishes. As each burial site of a different time period was uncovered, the methods of entombment had changed, from the shoe shaped burials to the funeral urns that evolved over time.
Over and above learning more in regard to burial sites, researchers now also know that tribes such as the Ometepe, Bagaces and Sapoa inhabited this area, and that Los Placeres was an important burial site to all. Other stone artifacts have also given scientists insight into the daily lives of the tribes, finding items that were used in hunting, grinding and fishing. Los Placeres is a vital part of the history of Managua and it is hoped that the site will be preserved for future generations and researchers.
