At times, modern developments can make us believe that there have never been wonders as impressive as the ones we have created thanks to new technologies. However, there are several ancient civilizations that have produced wonders so exquisitely constructed that it makes us question our assumptions about the past. There are so many cultures we know very little of because records are scarce or unreliable. This means that there are countless skills and technological advances that ancient peoples might have developed that we have no way of knowing about. From marvelous carvings to priceless jewels, here is a compilation of artifacts and structures that show the incredible skills of artisans of by-gone eras.

This ancient Mayan figurine dates back to the 6th century

This little guy looks surprisingly similar to many of today’s action figurines. It even has a removable helmet! In fact, it would look right at home in a toy store aisle if it were made out of plastic instead of ceramic. Nevertheless, it was not meant to be played with. Do you want to know what it was actually meant for?

The figurine is meant to represent a dwarf-boxer, a supernatural being who, through its ritual boxing moves, helped call down the rains. It was found in a grave, alongside several other figurines, during the excavation of the ancient city of El Perú-Waka’ in modern Petén, Guatemala. Do not be fooled, he might look simple, but the removable helmet takes it to another level.