Scientists Unearth At Least 800-Year-Old ‘Cowering’ Mummy In Peruvian Cave
Image via Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Archaeologists have uncovered a mummy in a “cowering” position, tied with ropes and its hands covering its face, in a cave near the Peruvian capital of Lima. The preserved body is believed to be between 800 and 1,200 years old.
According to CNN, researchers from the National University of San Marcos unearthed the mummy from an underground town square at the archaeological site of Cajamarquilla. The body, which dates back to before the Inca civilization established Machu Picchu in the 15th century, was found in the unusual position as part of a southern Peruvian funeral custom.
“The discovery of this resident sheds a new light on interactions and relationships in pre-Hispanic times,” said Pieter Van Dalen Luna, one of the archaeologists who participated in the excavation.
Following an examination of the mummy, the scientists think the resident was most likely a man aged between 25 and 30 years old, who had traveled from the mountains to the site, which was formerly a commercial center during the time. It’s thought that the citizen would’ve been of high status, or someone important to the local community.
“The fact of finding a mummy with these characteristics in the middle of the plaza makes it clear that this is someone of high status,” said Van Dalen Luna.
Image via Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Interestingly, during the excavation, which took over a month to complete, the archaeologists had not known they would chance upon mummified remains.
“The whole team was really happy because we didn’t think this was going to happen. We didn’t expect to make such an important discovery,” remarked archaeologist Yomira Huamán Santillán.
Alongside the mummy, marine mollusks were discovered outside its tomb, which is unusual as the site is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the nearest coast. This led scientists to posit that the residents’ descendants returned to place offerings at the tombs of their deceased loved ones.
“After the body is placed in the tomb, there are constant events and activities. That is to say, their descendants keep coming back over many years and placing food and offerings there, including mollusks,” explained Van Dalen Luna.
Moving forward, the mummy will undergo further tests, such as carbon dating, to better determine the time period it’s from, and more details about the identity of the important resident.
Image via Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
[via CNN, images via Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos]
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