Archaeologists have stumbled across a well-preserved mummy in a tomb at Cajamarquilla, a significant site inland from Lima, Peru.
A mummy, fully bound in ropes and with its hands covering its face, has been discovered in an underground tomb in Peru. The discovery was made by archaeologists from the National University of San Marcos in Cajamarquilla, located 25 kilometers inland from the coastal city and capital, Lima.
The mummy is estimated to be between 800 and 1200 years old. Although the mummy’s striking pose – bound by ropes and in the fetal position – appears chilling at first sight, researchers believe it is a southern Peruvian funeral custom.
The tomb also contained ceramics, vegetable remains, and stone tools. Several marine mollusks were also discovered outside the tomb.
“After the body is placed in the tomb, there are constant events and activities,” Mr. Van Dalen Luna said. “That is to say, their descendants keep coming back over many years and placing food and offerings there, including mollusks.”
The mummy, thought to be male, likely predates the Inca civilization, which dominated the southern part of South America 500 years ago.
“The discovery of this resident sheds new light on interactions and relationships in pre-Hispanic times,” said Pieter Van Dalen Luna, one of the archaeologists who led the excavation.
It’s thought the man was aged about 25 to 30 years old and was likely an important person in contemporary society. The findings indicate the area was likely multiethnic and would have been occupied by settlers from the coast and the mountains, according to information released by the university.
Archaeologist Yomira Huamán Santillán told CNN the discovery came as a surprise as the team was not searching for a mummy. “The whole team was really happy because we didn’t think this was going to happen,” Ms. Huamán told CNN. “We didn’t expect to make such an important discovery.”
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