Archaeologists from the Tumbas Reales de Sipan Museum during excavations in northern Peru have discovered three richly decorated tombs of representatives of the nobility of the ancient Moche culture.
According to RPP, the find was made at the archaeological site of El Pueblo de Ucupe, where the grave of a dignitary was discovered in 2009. In December 2018, archaeologists returned there to continue excavations.
As a result, they discovered three tombs made of adobe bricks of various sizes. They are dated to the middle period of the Moche culture (about 600-700 AD). The burials are located on the territory of an earlier burial complex.
The first tomb was damaged by heavy rains, which destroyed part of the complex. The remains of a woman and a child were found inside it. The burial contained ritual objects characteristic of the Moche culture, such as copper bibs and hair bands.
In addition, ceramic figurines have been found. One of them depicts a snail, the other depicts a man sitting on a throne, and the third depicts a love scene. By the way, pottery production was developed in the Moche culture since the 2nd century and was extremely diverse.
The second tomb is a rebuilt earlier burial. It contained the remains of an adult man buried next to a lama. The burial chamber contained many ritual objects, including more than 50 clay vessels.
The third tomb had a roof of wooden beams, which decayed over time. It contained the skull of an adult, the bones of a lama, a luxurious burial mask, jewelry and over 150 vessels.
According to scientists, the nature of the burials and the objects found in them indicate that the tombs belonged to people with high social status.
Promotional video:
Denis Peredelsky
