The discovery of an archaeological cult site in Peru from pre-Hispanic times
The site, which was dedicated to ancestor worship, was discovered in the Cajamarca region, located about 900 kilometers north of the capital, Lima.
A team of Peruvian and Japanese archaeologists have discovered an archaeological site in northern Peru that dates back to pre-Hispanic times and was dedicated to ancestor worship.
Japanese archaeologist and university professor Shinya Watanabe told Agence France-Presse on Saturday, "We discovered an archaeological site from the era of the Wari civilization, dating back to between the years 800 and 1000 AD."
The site, which was dedicated to ancestor worship, was discovered in the Cajamarca region, located about 900 kilometers north of the capital, Lima.
He explained that the excavation revealed "two underground burial chambers and pits in which mummies and offerings presented to the ancestors were placed."
A number of offerings were recovered from inside these two large rooms, including mollusk shells and ceramic fragments.
Watanabe described the discovery as "great because archaeologists were looking for evidence of the Wari civilization."
Female ornaments and two musical wind instruments made of ceramic were also found, in addition to a “kero,” a small container that was used in the past during ceremonies.
The archaeologist added, "People of diverse origins lived in the place, and it was a ceremonial site dedicated to ancestor worship."
Judith Padilla, responsible for culture in the Cajamarca region, highlighted that these discoveries allow an idea of the “lifestyle and ritual practices” of the ancient communities that lived on Peruvian lands “in order to understand current practices.”
This recent discovery was the result of an archaeological research project exploring a large area of about 24 hectares.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture stated that the aim of the excavations is to understand the social and political system of the Cajamarca civilization (between the years 900 and 1000 AD) and its relationship with the Wari civilization.
The Wari civilization existed in northern Peru between the seventh and thirteenth centuries.
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