MEXICO CITY.- In November 2024, archaeologists supported by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) continued their exploration of a crypt beneath the Church of San Bartolomé Apóstol in Hueypoxtla, State of Mexico. The crypt, dating to the 18th or early 19th century, contains at least 72 burial niches, and this recent effort uncovered the remains of two adults and a five-year-old child.

Archaeological Details

The excavation, led by Perla Ruíz Albarrán of the Center for Anthropological Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), was conducted from November 18 to 22, with financial support from the Stresser-Péan Foundation. Three niches were opened during this field season:

• C1 and H1: Contained the remains of male individuals positioned on their backs with hands resting on the abdominal region, feet facing the church atrium.

• M1: The left section of this divided niche housed the remains of a five-year-old child, alongside metallic funeral ornaments and remnants of an unidentified garment.

A fourth niche, W1, was already partially open. It contained the remains of a preterm infant who likely died shortly after birth. Evidence suggested the burial had been intentionally disturbed, prompting plans for a micro-excavation in the next field season.

Unique Architecture and Historical Context

The crypt features a network of hallways and numerous niches, a design uncommon in central Mexico but widely used in Europe during the same period. Ruíz Albarrán emphasized the Christian funerary system evident in the crypt’s layout, which contrasts with previous local beliefs that the site might have pre-Hispanic origins.

Preservation Challenges and Techniques

The team used careful stratigraphic methods to open the niches without damaging the burials. Micro-excavation tools, such as brushes and small dustpans, were employed to gradually remove soil, collect biological samples, and document findings. This meticulous approach was essential due to the high humidity levels in the crypt, which pose a risk of erosion or disintegration to the skeletal remains.

Community Engagement and Education

Hueypoxtla residents visit the crypt annually on August 24 during the Feast of San Bartolomé Apóstol. Guided by local historians, these visits now incorporate findings from the INAH team, offering a deeper understanding of the crypt’s historical significance.

Training Future Experts

This project also serves as a training ground for students from UNAM’s Center for Anthropological Studies. Fourteen students participated under the guidance of specialists from the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH). The initiative included hands-on training in registration techniques and excavation, fostering the next generation of archaeologists and physical anthropologists.

Looking Ahead

The researchers aim to continue uncovering and analyzing the crypt’s contents, shedding light on the identities of the individuals buried there and their historical context. Future work will focus on opening more niches and conducting detailed laboratory studies to refine interpretations of the findings.

This collaborative effort not only enhances the understanding of funerary practices in colonial Mexico but also strengthens ties between academic institutions and local communities.