The Man from Bilbao: Unearthing A Hunter-Gatherer in the Coahuila Desert
In the arid expanses of the Coahuila desert, a remarkable archaeological discovery has surfaced, revealing the ancient lifestyles of hunter-gatherers. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) recently presented “The Man from Bilbao,” a skeleton unearthed from the high sand dunes near the ancient Viesca lagoon. This finding provides invaluable insights into the pre-Hispanic populations of northern Mexico.
Discovery in the Dunes
The mission to uncover "The Man from Bilbao" began when tourists stumbled upon human remains protruding from the sand dunes of Bilbao in the northern Mexican desert region. The alert reached the state prosecutor's office, which swiftly involved physical anthropologist Erik Morgan Medina and archaeologist Miguel Vargas. Their initial examination suggested the bones were pre-Hispanic. Subsequently, INAH experts, including Yuri de la Rosa Gutiérrez, conducted a thorough survey of the site, states their press release.
The area in the sands of the Viesca lagoon where the human skeleton was found was a hunter-gatherer workshop. (INAH Coahuila Center Archive)
Located within a 10-meter (33 ft) diameter area filled with archaeological materials, the site revealed not just human remains but also animal bones and an array of lithic tools. These findings indicated that the area was a significant seasonal camp for hunter-gatherers, where stone tools were manufactured.
Insights into Past Inhabitants
The skeleton, now known as "The Man from Bilbao," belonged to a young man aged between 20 and 30 years at the time of his death. His bones, though fragmented, were remarkably well-preserved considering the harsh desert environment. The presence of a seashell necklace, a white flint blade, a projectile point, and various animal remains suggested a life deeply intertwined with both hunting and crafting.
The materials are being kept by the INAH, at the Regional Museum of La Laguna, where they will continue to be analyzed. (Archive of the INAH Coahuila Center)
These artifacts, particularly the lithic materials, bear striking similarities to those found in Cueva de la Candelaria, an archaeological site approximately 60 to 70 kilometers (37 to 43.5 miles) away. This connection hints at a shared cultural tradition, possibly the Desert Cultures, dating back between 700 and 1000 years BP (Before Present).
Remains of “The Man from Bilbao”, discovered in the Coahuila desert. (Archive of the INAH Coahuila Center)
Cultural Significance
Diego Prieto Hernández, INAH’s general director, emphasized the discovery’s importance for understanding northern Mexico's ancient populations. The context of the find within sand dunes is particularly notable, as such environments typically degrade bone materials. Yet, the remains of "The Man from Bilbao" offer a window into the past, shedding light on the health, diet, and activities of early inhabitants.
Axel Baños Nocedal, head of INAH's Physical Anthropology Department, remarked on the broader implications of these findings. Studying such well-preserved remains allows researchers to piece together aspects of ancient life, from daily routines to broader migratory and cultural patterns.
The full remains of “The Man from Bilbao”, discovered in the Coahuila desert. (INAH Coahuila Center Archive)
A Glimpse into Ancient Lives
The site where "The Man from Bilbao" was discovered was not a burial ground, suggesting that the individual may have died unexpectedly while engaged in daily activities such as hunting or fishing. The usual burial practices of these cultures involved deep caves and rock shelters, far removed from the open desert dunes.
The artifacts found alongside the skeleton paint a vivid picture of a nomadic lifestyle. The seashell necklace likely originated from the Pacific coast, indicating extensive trade networks. The lithic tools, both complete and in various stages of production, reveal a community skilled in tool-making and adapted to a life on the move.
The INAH team continues to analyze the materials at the Regional Museum of La Laguna, employing geographic information systems to georeference the site and gather more data. These efforts will further unravel the story of "The Man from Bilbao" and the ancient cultures of the Coahuila desert.
Top image: INAH presents “The Man from Bilbao”, discovered in the Coahuila desert. Source: INAH Coahuila Center Archive
By Gary Manners
