Archaeologists have uncovered five ceramic figurines, believed to have been used in rituals, atop a pre-Columbian pyramid structure in El Salvador.

These figurines, often referred to as "puppets," were discovered during excavations at the San Isidro site in the Sonsonate district, dating back to approximately 400 BC.

The figurines, notable for their dramatic facial expressions, were carefully designed to change depending on the viewer's angle.

"One of the most striking features of the puppets is their dramatic facial expressions, which change depending on the angle that we look at them from," explained archaeologist Jan Szymański of the University of Warsaw, Poland, in a statement.

"Seen from above, they appear almost grinning, but when looked at from a level angle, they turn angry or disdainful, to become scared when seen from below. This is a conscious design, perhaps meant to enhance the gamut of ritual performances the puppets could have been used in."

Szymański noted that archaeological work in El Salvador poses unique challenges compared to neighboring countries. Many ancient sites are concealed due to volcanic eruptions, and the nation's high population density makes excavation particularly difficult.

"Very little is known about the identities and ethnolinguistic affiliations of the creators of ancient settlements that predate the arrival of Europeans in the early 16th century," Szymański said. "This gets worse the further back in time we look."

The discovery at San Isidro, a previously unexplored site, revealed the five puppets as part of what appeared to be a funeral deposit, although no human remains were found.

The objects were located at the summit of the largest pyramid at the site, suggesting that they played a significant role in important public rituals. "This finding is only the second such group found in situ and the first to feature a male figure," noted Szymański.

In addition to the figurines, the excavation team discovered jade pendants, two stacks of serving vessels, and a broken grinding stone. Three of the figurines have articulated heads, giving them a toy-like appearance.

Researchers believe the figurines may have been used in a tableau, though the precise messages conveyed by these scenes remain unclear.

The discovery provides further evidence that pre-Columbian San Isidro was a hub of cultural exchange. The style of the ceramic figurines is also found in southern Guatemala, while other artefacts, such as the jade pendants, are common in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Szymański emphasised the broader significance of the find: "This discovery contradicts the prevailing notion about El Salvador's cultural backwardness or isolation in ancient times.  It reveals the existence of vibrant and far-reaching communities capable of exchanging ideas with remarkably distant places."