Archaeologists reveal area where command chairs were sculpted

Experts found an anthropomorphic figure in the finishing process that projected above an area of 1 m², in Jaboncillo Hill (parish Picoazá, Portoviejo,) the administrative center of the Manta culture. At its sides were observed parts finished with copper chisel.

According to archaeologist Marcos Suarez, this is the first site in the country where one of the senior members of the Manta culture sculpted the chairs designed to tribal chiefs.

Suarez said that this discovery marks a milestone in the history. Formerly known that these ceremonial centers were elaborated in the Coast, but this discovery confirms that they were produced in the valley. The parts were collected to be rebuilt. It was also noted that many raw material was found.

Last week, with the result of a U.S. laboratory which analyzed the remains found in the area, was determined that these were from 1520, the year when this area of the Jaboncillo Hill could be abandoned.

“Before these findings, was determined that the last vestige of the Manta culture dated from the year 1480 ,” said Suarez.

According to the archaeologist, the place served as a chamber of the lord, that would be the second in rank after a chief or supreme being. It also indicates that the place where the chairs were carved was not a kind of workshop, but one area that the Lord Chief left to develop his chair.