The ancient Yacata pyramids at the Ihuatzio archaeological site in Michoacan, Mexico, has partially collapsed following severe rainstorms, leading to widespread alarm and speculation about an impending disaster.
The Yacata pyramids, constructed by the Purépecha tribe prior to 900 AD, were historically used for human sacrifices dedicated to their deity, Kurikveri. Parts of the pyramid collapsed on the night of July 30.
According to a report in the New York Post, the descendants of the Purépecha tribe have interpreted it as a foreboding sign of an impending catastrophe. Images from the site reveal significant damage, with one side of the pyramid’s base being washed away by the torrential rains.
The Mexican National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) confirmed that the collapse was exacerbated by extreme weather conditions in the Purépecha Lake basin. INAH has dispatched teams to assess and repair the damage, emphasizing that the structural failure is being addressed with urgency.
The Purépecha tribe, known for their historical conflict with the Aztecs, ruled over a substantial part of Mexico for approximately 400 years before the Spanish conquest in 1519. The tribe’s modern descendants have voiced concerns that the damage to these sacred structures is a sign of a major disaster, in line with their traditional beliefs about omens and prophecies.
According to a man from the Purépecha tribe, “…The damage to the pyramids by the storm could signal impending destruction. It was a bad omen for our ancestors who built it, indicating the imminence of a major event of destruction.”
The Ihuatzio site, once a vibrant centre of Purépecha culture, has been under scrutiny since the collapse. Efforts to restore the damaged pyramid are going on as experts and workers work to preserve this critical piece of Mexico’s cultural heritage.
However, the collapse of the pyramids, which are considered key cultural and historical landmarks, has led to heightened anxiety among local communities.
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