Peru: New discovery reveals funerary structure with ceremonial offerings in Kuelap

00:30 | Luya (Amazonas region), May. 22.

The Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) in Amazonas reported the discovery of a funerary structure associated with various ceremonial and utilitarian objects of high cultural value.

The find was uncovered during archaeological excavations conducted for the first time at the confluence of Accesses 1 and 2 of Kuelap, in the sector known as Area 12.

The work was carried out by specialists from the Kuelap Archaeological and Interdisciplinary Research Program (PRIAK). 

The team identified a stone funerary structure featuring a U-shaped layout and two steps.

This structure is linked to a platform located south of the site, in the upper section of Access 2. Additional funerary evidence was recorded in the area as well.


Inside the structure, the remains of five individuals were found: four adults and one infant.

Among the main offerings recovered was a phytomorphic paccha in the Regional Inca style, representing the fruit of the species Inga feuilleei, commonly known as "pacay" or "guaba."


An elongated carved bone artifact featuring a stylized human face and a Chachapoyas-style headdress was found.

Fragments of metal tweezers, stone mortars, and a shell fragment from the Spondylus genus were also recovered.

These materials are commonly associated with funerary contexts from the Late Horizon period (ca. 1470–1532 A.D.).


"Due to the position of the individual, placed in a seated posture and deposited over other skeletal remains, we believe this could represent a second phase of use of the funerary structure, during which the previously deposited bones were disturbed," PRIAK archaeologists stated.

Specialists additionally noted that the structure may have held significant symbolic and visual importance within the Kuelap architectural complex.

The DDC Amazonas reported that it will continue providing further details in the coming days regarding the recovered pieces and the progress of archaeological research at Kuelap.

(END) NDP/LZD/MVB

Published: 5/22/2026