In highland valleys of the rugged Sierra Madres, rising from the tropical beaches of West Mexico, mysterious underground tombs tell of ancient civilizations whose rise and fall are shrouded in secrecy. Known as the Shaft Tomb Cultures, these people may have inhabited West Mexico as long ago as 1000 B.C.

Who were these Old Ones? How did they live? What were their beliefs? We seek answers to these questions in the tomb objects they left behind and in the traditions of present-day native populations. Tales told by Cora and Huichol peoples still living in the mountains may provide a link to their remote ancestors in Unknown Mexico/México Desconocido.