A remarkable discovery has been made by archaeologists from California State University San Marcos at the Cajamarquilla archaeological site in Peru. Inside an underground tomb, situated 16 miles from Lima, they have found a fascinating and mysterious mummy thought to be between 800 and 1,200 years old. The mummy, tightly bound with ropes and with its hands covering its face, provides valuable insight into the unique burial customs of the local culture from that time.
An Intriguing Revelation of History
Under the guidance of Professor Pieter Van Dalen Luna, the excavation team not only uncovered the extraordinary mummy but also a variety of funerary artifacts. These included stone tools, ceramic vessels containing traces of plant materials, as well as the remains of a dog and a guinea pig. Near the tomb’s entrance, they discovered mollusk shells and llama bones, suggesting that mourners had come to the site to leave food offerings.
Illuminating Pre-Incan Civilization
The mummy, believed to be that of a young man aged between 18 and 22, was found lying partially on his side next to a pile of stones and the wall of the chamber. The significance of this find at Cajamarquilla is profound, as it underscores the region’s historical importance as a crossroads of various pre-Incan civilizations. These cultures thrived in the coastal and mountainous regions of Peru long before the emergence of the Inca Empire. Radiocarbon dating will be used to ascertain the precise age of the mummy, offering further insights into this intriguing period.
Peru’s Diverse Archaeological Heritage
Peru is celebrated for its rich archaeological legacy, featuring numerous sites that reveal the varied cultures that existed both before and after the rise of the Incan Empire. Emerging in the early 13th century in the highlands of Peru, the Inca civilization eventually spread its influence across southern Ecuador, Colombia, and central Chile. However, their dominance was ultimately challenged by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The recent find at Cajamarquilla stands as a testament to the complex history of Peru’s ancient past and the ongoing pursuit to uncover its mysteries.
