An unexpected find was made by scientists: 32 skeletons of the ancient civilizations Moche and Lambayeque, found on the Peruvian coast in South America, lacked parts of the lower limbs. Researchers believe that these people, most of whom are children, had their feet cut off after death to use them in jewelry.
What is urine
The Moche civilization, or Moche, lived on the territory of modern Peru in the period 50-700. AD The civilization is called the same as the valley of the same name, which was home to the Moche peoples.
This culture is known for its developed pottery and jewelry crafts, as well as the skills of making metal products from gold, silver and copper. In addition, the Moche civilizations built many huge pyramids, some of which are still a characteristic feature of the Peruvian landscape.
The mores of an ancient civilization
As evidenced by the discoveries of scientists, the Moche peoples had a developed system of ritual practices, including, among other things, human sacrifices, the purpose of which was most likely to ask the gods for rain - a rare gift from heaven in this arid region. Before the discovery of the ruler of Sipan's grave in 1979, the most famous cultural monuments of this ancient civilization were the Temple of the Sun (Huaca del Sol) and the Temple of the Moon (Huaca de la Luna), located near Trujillo.
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The reasons for the fall of the Moche civilization are not exactly known to historians, but experts suggest that prolonged droughts, earthquakes and severe floods caused by el nino (fluctuations in the temperature of the surface of the Pacific Ocean waters) could serve as a possible reason that the tribes left these territories. Other scientists are of the opinion that civil wars led to the disappearance of urine.
Bone Jewelry
The eerie practice of making jewelry from the bones of deceased people was widespread among the peoples of the Moche civilization. Small bones from human feet were often used to make pendants. These peculiar decorations were then worn by the remaining family members, apparently as a protective amulet.
Excavations carried out in the area where Moche lived led to other interesting discoveries. For example, 61 large urns were found covered with a blanket. Inside were the remains of alpacas, llamas and guinea pigs. 40 ceramic urns were probably used as household items. In addition, scientists have found spoons made from bones, which were most likely used on holidays that pay tribute to the dead.
Other finds
Archaeologists also discovered 32 burials at Pomalke in the Lambayeque region. They contain the remains of representatives of the Moche (23 graves) and Lambayeque (9 graves) cultures. On the territory of some burials, weaving looms and tools for making tissues from bone material were found.
According to the head of the research project Edgar Bracamonte, most of the artifacts and graves found belong to the period from 700 to the end of the 14th century. The scientist notes that this period saw the decline of the Moche culture and the flourishing of the Lambayeque culture, who inhabited the northern coast of modern Peru.
Author: Maxim Ewald