17:00 | Trujillo (La Libertad region), Sep. 8.
An impressive discovery in Peru's history was made at Chan Chan, located in Peru's northern coast.
An almost intact funerary platform was uncovered, preserving the remains of 38 high-status individuals, along with their respective grave goods and artifacts that had remained hidden for more than 600 years.
The discoveries were made at the Utzh An walled complex, the former Gran Chimu Palace, during research and conservation work carried out by the Ministry of Culture (Mincul) through the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex Special Project (PECACH).
The presentation of this important discovery was led by Culture Minister Alberto Beingolea. The government official highlighted the significance of this finding, which provides new and valuable information for understanding Chimu culture.
During the presentation, a visit was made to the funerary platform, which consists of a central chamber and two side chambers.
At the site, archaeologist Jorge Meneses, who is responsible for the research, explained that the central chamber measures 1.2 meters wide and 5 meters deep.
It can be reached through an entrance followed immediately by a staircase that descends approximately 2.5 meters into the chamber, which also has a niche.
The researcher specified that this chamber contained the remains of an individual with many archaeological pieces made of shell and metal.
Regarding the two side chambers, Meneses indicated that they measure 1.5 meters wide by 8 meters long and 3.5 meters deep below the working surface level.
He stated that the contents of both chambers were different; while one lacked skeletal remains and contained some weapons and metal emblems, the other has so far yielded 20 buried individuals.
Added to the other 18 found at this funerary platform, this brings the total to 38.
Meneses indicated that one of these individuals stands out because their funerary treatment is an exceptional departure from the known pattern for Chimu society.
At the bottom of one of the chambers, his body was placed fully extended, an unusual arrangement compared with Chimu burials, which were characterized by flexed or seated-flexed positions.
(END) LPZ/MAO/MVB
Published: 9/8/2026