A fisherman in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest made an extraordinary discovery after noticing unusual ceramic vessels exposed beneath the roots of a fallen tree. Archaeologists later confirmed that the seven large urns are believed to be pre-Columbian and contain valuable clues about Indigenous communities that lived in the region centuries before European contact.

Researchers found the urns buried about 40 centimeters (16 inches) underground on an artificial island created by ancient Amazonians. The excavation was especially challenging due to the terrain, forcing archaeologists and local residents to build elevated wooden platforms to carefully remove the fragile artifacts without causing damage.

After being transported to the Mamirauá Institute for study, two of the largest urns were found to contain human bones, while others held seeds and the remains of fish, frogs, and turtles. Experts believe these items were placed inside as part of ancient funeral rituals practiced by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon.

Although scientists have not yet identified the exact culture that created the urns, the discovery is providing valuable insight into the burial traditions and daily lives of pre-Columbian societies. Researchers hope further analysis will reveal more about the people who once lived in this remote part of the Brazilian Amazon.