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[Gallitz]

Leaving on a High Note

Photograph by Alexandre Meneghini, AP

Musical instruments—like this flute found in the grave of a teenager—were possibly meant to accompany the dead into the afterlife.

The teenager's grave also held bowls, plates, an incense burner, and a clay mask. "These are all items of everyday life," said ASU's Smith, "mostly used in domestic rituals or household craft activities."

Still, he added, "any finds from Azcapotzalco or other Tepanec cities are important, because so few Aztec burials have ever been excavated.

(Related: "'Chilling' Child Sacrifices Found at Prehistoric Site.")