An anthropologist excavates one of about a thousand ancient tombs recently discovered in Bogotá, Colombia, in a photo taken April 22, 2008.

Pottery found with the remains—which date from the first to the 16th century A.D.—mostly includes fragments of decorative and simple pitchers, cooking pots, and cups.

Researchers also found stones for grating or cutting vegetables and for grinding grain.

Archaeologist and former National Geographic grantee Guillermo Cock, who is not involved in the current excavation, said the site will prove "invaluable" to understanding a poorly studied period in South American history.

• More Photos in the News
• Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"