Archaeologists in Lima, Peru, have made an astonishing discovery, unearthing an ancient mummy with a remarkably well-preserved head of long brown hair in a local cemetery.
Believed to have been part of a burial ground once utilized by the Ychsma people, who are renowned for constructing at least 16 pyramids along the central coast of what is now modern-day Peru, the mummy provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history, potentially dating back over a millennium.
The mummy, as recently revealed at the excavation site, is thought to have lived as far back as 1,000 years ago, according to statements made by archaeologist Isabel Ganoza. “This is an adult individual in a sitting position with bent legs,” she conveyed to Reuters.
What is particularly striking about this discovery is the mummy’s remarkably intact condition, with a luxuriant head of long brown hair and an almost fully preserved jaw. Although researchers have not yet definitively determined the individual’s gender, the find is nothing short of remarkable.
The burial site was also accompanied by ceramic vessels and textiles representative of the residential Huaca Pucllana site, dating back to around 500 AD. The Huaca Pucllana ceremonial center is situated right in the heart of Miraflores, surrounded by modern buildings and construction. Its preservation is a testament to the historical richness tucked away amidst the bustling city, according to Ganoza.
Lima boasts approximately 400 huacas, or archaeological sites, scattered throughout the city, each offering unique insights into Peru’s ancient civilizations.
This discovery follows a series of other remarkable archaeological findings in the region. In June, archaeologists uncovered a 3,000-year-old mummy buried beneath heaps of refuse in Lima, believed to be a sacrifice from the Manchay people, who inhabited the area from 1500 BC to 1000 BC. In March, Peruvian police stumbled upon an ancient mummy, estimated to be between 600 to 800 years old, while conducting a search of a man’s cooler bag at an archaeological site in Puno. These discoveries continue to shed light on the rich tapestry of Peru’s ancient past.
