EL BILBAO
An archaeological site near Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa featuring numerous stelae with particularly expressive sculptures.
About 1 kilometer north of the Parque Central, at the end of 3A Avenida and on the road to El Baúl finca, is El Bilbao. Also called "Las Piedras" - "The Stones" - it is the closest archaeological site to Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. Moreover, the number of stelae that it shelters makes it one of the most important of the South Pacific coast. Thus, there are four large blocks of stone, two of which stand out for the quality of their carvings and the varied motifs that are executed. For example, on one of the monoliths, one can see Maya people practicing a ball game.
The sculptures are essentially expressive and the details of their adornments are realized with a great precision. All around, one will notice vegetal motifs representing various fruits, among which are the cocoa beans - very recognizable - which were used as currency by the civilization. Animal motifs are also visible, with birds in mind.
The stones found buried have been preserved from erosion and alteration caused by time and natural elements. Unfortunately, the other structures have been subjected to the onslaught of rain and wind for centuries and are now damaged. For archaeologists, one specific stone is of great interest. In cause: its glyphs. They were able to demonstrate their astonishing similarity with those of the stones and monuments sculpted in the Gulf of Mexico.