Petroglyphs from 3,000 BC Found Near Acapulco

(Acapulco, JG 23 October) Gerardo Gutiérrez Mendoza, a professor and researcher from The University of Colorado in Boulder, has announced finding archeological remains in the ancient province of Tlapa, together with cave paintings and petroglyphs that date back to 3,000 BC. They are in danger of being destroyed, like many other monumental archeological sites in Mexico, by the process of urbanization. In this case, the threats are from the towns of Tlapa and nearby Huamuxtitlán.

Professor Gutiérrez has published a book on the subject, the Spanish title of which means “Archeology of the Ancient Province of Tlapa from Ancient Times until Mexican Independence.” The book was commissioned by the anthropology department of the University of Colorado. Gutiérrez has studied the eastern regions of Guerrero state for more than ten years. He pointed out that the concept of Tlapa applied to the ancient kingdom, and not to the municipality or town as it does today. It included Huamuxtitlán and Alcozauca, places where numerous archeological remains have been found. His book lists 223 sites that include cave paintings, effigies, pathways with writing, pyramids, terraces and fragments of clay pots, all of which retell part of the region’s past. Even structures for playing the ancient game “Pelota” have been found.

Currently in the Tlapa region reside indigenous peoples from the “na savi,” “mephaa,” “nahua” and “amuzgo” tribes. Additionally many of African origin, related to slaves who arrived in Guerrero from Veracruz to establish lives as free men, still reside nearby.