Ancient child's tomb found in Peru with 32 vessels and metal mask
Key Takeaways
- Archaeologists discovered a possible child's tomb at the Huacas de Moche complex in northern Peru.
- The burial contained around 32 ceramic vessels, a metal mask and animal remains.
- Researchers believe the child belonged to a privileged Mochica family during the 6th or 7th century AD.
Archaeologists believe the burial belonged to a child from a wealthy Mochica family, with fine ceramics and a metal mask pointing to high social status.
Archaeologists in northern Peru have uncovered a possible child's tomb containing around 32 ceramic vessels and a metal mask, offering new evidence of burial practices among the ancient Mochica civilisation.
The discovery was made by researchers from the National University of Trujillo at the Huacas de Moche archaeological complex in the La Libertad region.
The burial was found on the Uhle Platform, a funerary area beside Huaca de la Luna, one of the major adobe temples built by the Mochica civilisation, which flourished along Peru's northern coast between AD 100 and 850.
Researchers believe the tomb belonged to a child because of its size. The quality and number of objects suggest the individual came from a privileged family during the later periods of Mochica society.
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Carlos Rengifo, director of the Huacas de Moche Archaeological Project, said excavation work was continuing.
"Some 32 vessels have been found so far. We have not finished yet; we are in the midst of the excavation," he said.
Among the discoveries are ceramic vessels depicting captives being taken to a ritual.
Another vessel features a deity with human and bird characteristics, shown in high relief alongside two other figures in what researchers believe could represent a temple.
Archaeologists also recovered skulls and limbs of camelids, the animal family that includes llamas and alpacas.
Rengifo explained that the quality of burial offerings in Mochica society was not necessarily determined by age, as both children and adults could receive valuable objects.
The presence of a metal mask and fine ceramics suggests the child belonged to a high-status social group.
"This is a person who belonged to a family or social group that stood out within what was already an urban centre and a prosperous city of the 6th or 7th century AD," Rengifo stated.
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The initial findings were presented to National University of Trujillo rector Hermes Sifuentes during a visit to review ongoing archaeological research at the site.
The Uhle Platform has been studied since the late 19th century and has previously revealed tombs belonging to the Mochica elite.
The National University of Trujillo has led the archaeological project since 1991, with further excavation and conservation work planned for the newly discovered artefacts.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
