Lima, Oct. 2 (BUS): Peruvian power company workers have unearthed dozens of tombs dating back twelve centuries from pre-Inca civilizations while building a gas pipeline, according to project archaeologists, in the latest discovery from the rich South American nation. ancient past.
Archaeologist Cecilia Camargo said the oldest burials date back eight centuries and likely belong to the Huaura culture in Peru, while others are likely related to the Chancay culture about 600 years ago.
Besides skulls and other bones found in the dry, sandy soil of Peru’s Carapillo region, about 50 miles (80 km) north of Lima, some of the tombs also house pottery as well as clay figurines, possibly representing deities, according to Reuters. mentioned.
Archaeologist Roberto Quispi explained that the remains of both adults and children were found within the burial groups.
Camargo and Quispe both work for local gas distribution company Calidda, which employs its own archaeologists because ancient finds are repeated whenever the project involves excavation.
While Peru is best known for its scenic royal retreat atop the Inca Mountain in Machu Picchu, which attracts millions of tourists each year, Peru was home to various pre-Hispanic cultures that flourished in the centuries before the rise to power of the Inca Empire, mainly along the country’s central coast and in the mountains Andes.
In the latest discovery made earlier this week, along with a large amount of bone, clumps of what appeared to be human hair could also be seen sticking out of the dirt.
“These people were buried with very interesting offerings,” Camargo added, noting that the statues of the goddess were probably supposed to accompany the deceased on their journey to the other world.
HF