Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

One of the most important Coclé sites is Conte, a cemetery used by this culture during its second phase of occupation. Some of the tombs at the site are unique, holding multiple bodies. Inside each of these lie the remains of a high ranking individual or chief accompanied by a large quantity of gold grave goods; with this person are two warriors, subordinate chiefs, or other individuals of rank, accompanied by gold plates; as well as up to eight servants or slaves, all adult males, accompanied with artifacts of lesser value. The accompanying individuals may have been sacrificed following the death of a leader, a practice that was observed by the Spanish who arrived in the region in the 16th Century. Some Spanish chronicles report that when a cacique died, his servants and family members would go with him to the grave, along with any of his wives who wished to do so.