Metates may reveal ancient secrets
Metates, the stone grinding surfaces that Panama's indigenous people used to grind their food since ancient times (and manos de metates, the stone grinding pestles that were used with them), may have secrets to reveal. Some of these objects may still have microscopic residues of the foods that were ground upon them. Careful analysis of these residues and their DNA can tell scientists a lot about the culture of the people who used these tools and the history of New World agriculture. When such artifacts are taken by huaqueros from the underground strata from which they were found and then washed for sale to collectors, a lot of valuable scientific information tends to be lost. Photos by Eric Jackson
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