Archaeologists in Mexico are continuing efforts to document a collection of submerged artefacts discovered in the Síis Já cenote in Yucatán, where remains linked to the 19th-century Caste War have been recorded beneath the former Convent of San Bernardino de Siena in Sisal, Valladolid.
The work, carried out in February 2026 by specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), focused on assessing the condition of materials at the site after reports of unauthorised activity. The team included members of the institute’s Subdirectorate of Underwater Archaeology, along with support from the Fundación Convento Sisal Valladolid.
Síis Já, a name derived from the Mayan language meaning “well of cold water”, contains what researchers describe as a rare archaeological context tied to the conflict known as the Caste War (1847–1901).
Historical accounts suggest that during the early phase of the conflict, government forces disposed of weapons and supplies in the cenote to prevent them from falling into the hands of Maya rebel groups.
More than 150 firearms have now been logged at the site. These include rifles and muskets made in Spain and England. A cannon, still attached to its wooden carriage, is also present on the cenote floor.
Other items lie scattered nearby, including ceramic vessels, incense burners and pieces of tableware such as majolica and porcelain. Some of these objects predate the conflict by centuries, while others are more recent.
The material has not been removed. Instead, it remains underwater, where conditions help limit deterioration. During the visit, one of the archaeologists produced a detailed photographic record of selected objects.
Images of a rifle, part of the cannon and clusters of artefacts were taken from multiple angles to allow the creation of three-dimensional models.
These models can be studied without moving the objects. They also make it easier to look at how items are positioned in relation to one another, which may help explain how they came to rest in the cenote.
Signs of damage were also noted. Parts of a modern structure, including steps and walkways, were found collapsed inside the cenote. These had been reported previously and appear to have disturbed sections of the site. There were also indications that people had entered the water without permission. Lines used by divers, not linked to any official work, were visible.
Changes in the environment were recorded as well. Fish commonly found in this type of setting, known locally as ahlu, were absent. This has raised concerns about possible contamination of the water.
INAH has called for stronger protection of the site and is urging local residents to help prevent further disturbance. Plans are being discussed to restart more detailed work, beginning with the removal of recent debris and a fuller survey of what remains underwater.
Objects recovered from the cenote during earlier work in 2003, and since conserved, are expected to be returned to the former convent. They are due to go on display in the site museum, which is among the oldest in the region.
Header Image Credit : G. García, SAS
Sources : INAH
