News in Brief Archaeology

Ancient sculptors made magnetic figures from rocks struck by lightning

Guatemalan ‘potbelly’ sculptures suggest people knew about magnetism more than 2,000 years ago

ancient Guatemalan carving

MAGNETIC ANCESTOR  Ancient massive carvings from Guatemala such as this round figure include magnetized areas possibly intended to show the continuing power of deceased ancestors.

R. Fu

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

People living at least 2,000 years ago near the Pacific Coast of what’s now Guatemala crafted massive human sculptures with magnetized foreheads, cheeks and navels.