Las 92 piezas de oro y plata halladas en el cerro Ilucán, permanecen bajo custodia de la Municipalidad Provincial de Cutervo, Cajamarca. Cortesía
11:50 | Cutervo (Cajamarca region), May. 4.
The 92 gold and silver pieces recently found at Ilucan Hill remain in custody of Cutervo Provincial Municipality, and under protection of National Police, municipal patrol guards and Public Ministry staff.
According to Ronald Mejia Alcantara, official at Cutervo Municipality's Tourism and Crafts Deputy Management in North-Andean Cajamarca region, more locals reached the place on Wednesday to bring additional valuable pieces like huacos (ceremonial pottery).
"There are honest people who come around to provide more historical pieces without expecting something in exchange. We are not offering rewards," he clarified, while stating locals' sole objective is to garner global attention for Cutervo.
"When a group of inhabitants brought gold and silver artifacts found at Ilucan Hill, we came out with the idea of building a tourist-oriented museum in Cutervo. This has led more people to deliver the valuable pieces they have," Mejia continued.
Ilucan Hill is a sacred "Apu" or mountain deity for settlers. It is located an hour and a half from Cutervo city and 3,300 meters above sea level.
The aim is to turn the province into a cultural destination. "We are not that excited about gold or silver, but about the fact that Cutervo can be showcased around the world," he said.
Cutervo-born archaeologists living in different cities across the country are approaching the area to investigate this discovery.
"Assessment and investigation of pieces is within the competence of Culture Ministry. We have no authority in this matter," he pointed out.
It must be noted Cajamarca Culture Directorate experts are in the area conducting some research.
(END) ELJ/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/4/2017