The remains of an individual believed to date from the pre-Columbian period that could be about 800 years old were unearthed in the Cajamarquilla Archaeological Complex, in Lima, by a team of researchers led by archaeologist Yomira Huaman, according to the
National University of San Marcos.
Huaman reported that the human remains, which were discovered more than two meters deep, belonged to an adolescent who was about 12 or 13 year old when he or she died and had an approximate height of one meter and thirty centimeters.
The individual, whose gender is not known for now, is believed to have lived in the late intermediate period (1200-1400 AD), probably as an inhabitant of the Lima or Yshma Culture.
According to Huaman, coarse sand with high salt content in the area likely created a natural mummification process, which allowed the arms, forearms, and legs to retain remains of skin.
The head, which was separated from the body, has tufts of hair, while part of the teeth can still be seen in the jaw.
First human remains found at Cajamarquilla's Excavation Unit 8
Jorge Perez, the head of excavation units 5 and 8 within said archaeological complex, highlighted the fact that this is the first time that the body of an individual has been found at Unit 8, whose access was covered by a mud wall.
Grave goods found next to the body included a stone weapon, a plate, a copper needle, textile materials, and botanicals, such as corn and chili peppers.
About Cajamarquilla Project
The works and studies in the area are part of the Cajamarquilla Archaeological Project, run by the University of San Marcos and led by archaeologist Yomira Huaman.
This project began in December 2022 and will conclude by the end of 2023. So far, three units have been excavated and another four are in progress.
(END) NDP/LIT/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/26/2023