The remains of the ancient leader will reveal the secrets of the little-studied Indian culture. An unusual 1,000-year-old mummy decorated with metal plates and a tattoo was discovered in Peru.
The mummy, wrapped in cloth, belonged to a man from the little-studied Chancay culture. In the layers of fabric, scientists found several balls of cotton, the meaning of which they still cannot explain. The mummy, named Kiko Rontoy, was holding an empty bag and a rope noose. Corn cobs and grains were also found in the fabric. The discovery of grains indicates a high social status that a person held.
The man was dressed in two tunics and a loincloth. Interestingly, next to his head was a 30cm wooden figurine, dressed the same as Kiko Rontoy. In addition, slingshots were found near the knees and waist of the mummy.
The researchers found a black tattoo on the right knee, and a necklace of silver beads around the neck. The man's face was covered in red paint made from cinnabar, National Geographic reported. The mummy's eyes and mouth were covered with copper and silver plates, another was placed between the man's teeth.