73 Mummies with Carved Masks Discovered in Peru: Insights into Pre-Hispanic Andes History

Archaeologists Discover 73 Mummies in Peru

Archaeologists discovered 73 mummies in Peru, some with carved masks dating back to different periods between 800 and 1100 AD.

Preservation at Pachacamac

The mummies were found in funerary scrolls in an “amazing” state of preservation at Pachacamac, the site of an extensive tomb complex dating back to the period of the Wari Empire’s expansion.

Carved Masks and “False Heads”

Scientists from the University of Warsaw say that some of the mummies had masks made of carved wood and ceramic, on so-called “false heads”, intended to give the dead a lifelike presence during their transition to the “world of the ancestors.”

Colorful Cloth and Rope

The mummified scrolls discovered in recent excavations were also surrounded by cloth and rope, some of which were colorful.

Continuity of Life After Death

Scholars say that the deceased are believed to move into the world of their ancestors on the condition that “family members do their duty and prepare the deceased to continue life. The duty of ensuring continuity of life after the life of direct ancestors was taken very seriously.”

Wooden Staves and Oyster Shells

Near the mummified remains, archaeologists also discovered two wooden staves bearing portraits of dignitaries of the Warri Empire. These sticks were found in a layer that was covered with fragments of spiky oyster shells, which archaeologists suspect were likely imported from Ecuador.

Historical Significance

Scientists say the latest discovery will be key to determining the role of the supposed invasion of the Wari Empire in the cultural development of the pre-Hispanic Andes and its subsequent history.

Insights Into Warri Empire

Archaeologists now suspect that Pachacamac may not have operated continuously as a sacred city until the Spanish conquest as previously thought. Scientists describe the new discovery as “a veritable goldmine of information about the social status of men, women and children” in the Warri Empire.

Source: Independent

73 Ancient Mummies, With False Heads, Have Emerged in Peru https://t.co/iLJYdmPJdG

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