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November 13, 2009

Three Inca Funerary Offerings Uncovered in Cusco

Three funeral offerings have been found at the Sacsayhuaman site in Cusco. 3 skulls inside a ceramic vessel with ceremonial dishes. In the 2nd, a man of 45 years with a ceremonial knife and ceramics and the 3rd are the remains of a boy of 3. The Incas decapitated enemy leaders in their late empire.

Andina has a short report here with 3 photos;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=d6aUvOvIpts=

And the Latin American Tribune here

http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=347380&CategoryId=14095

November 8, 2009

More on the Nazca Princess Tomb

In an update on the tomb of an elite child found buried at Cahuachi during early Nazca, 300-450 CE, the unpaid Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Orefici who uncovered the tomb has made some further comments on the find. He has been paying for a guardian for the site out of pocket for 27 years. The young elite child he found was between 12-14 and found inside rooms between the Great Pyramid and the Orange Pyramid. Reeds and ropes covered her body and the body was painted and had an additional vertebra added. She had deformed forearms, perhaps a result of praying with arms extended for long periods of time. The fabric wrapped around her body had orcas painted on them and there were obsidian arrow heads. Lots of gold jewelry was buried with her among other valuable items. There were dozens of heads of birds of prey with their beaks tied also in the grave.

More spectacular finds will probably be made and Oferici continues work without pay from Peru or Italy. The artifacts from the grave have been taken to Nasca where a physicist from the University of Padua will research them.

EnPeru has the story here;

http://enperublog.com/2009/11/07/priestess-of-cahuachi/

November 1, 2009

The Nazcas Self-Destructed

Archaeologists studying the Nazca have found that they self destructed by destroying their forests around 500CE. The study was posted in the journal Latin American Antiquity. The Nazca cleared too much forest for agriculture and the Huarango tree was replaced by cotton and maize. The tree was crucial to the desert's fragile ecosystem and held the Nazca irrigation canals in place. An El Nino flood then devastated their area. The tree was needed for food, forage, timber and fuel and enhanced soil fertility and moisture and its deep roots held down the soil.

Once the flood happened, the harsh desert winds then completed the destruction of Nazca culture.

The Telegraph has the story here;

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/peru/6478168/Nazcas-destruction-of-forests-caused-downfall.html

October 28, 2009

New Photos of Early Sipan Tomb

I posted a story earlier about a very ancient tomb of an early Sipan dynast uncovered in August. At EnPeru, new and very good photos of the tomb have been posted shown with the striking owl ceramics found in

the tomb.

http://enperublog.com/2009/10/27/youngest-moche-noble-yet-at-sipan-site/#more-3382

October 26, 2009

12 Canaris Culture Tombs Uncovered in Ecuador

12 tombs from the Canaris culture in Ecuador have been uncovered. Their capital was called Canaris. The Incas had to fight very hard to conquer them. The tombs have not yet been uncovered. They are located in a jungle terrain near a small stream chosen for its strategic

location. All the tombs but one are perfectly intact. Robbers left ceramics that were destroyed on its floor in the one plundered tomb telling the archaeologists the kind of artifacts that will be found in the 12 pristine tombs.

EnPeru has the story here with a photo;

http://enperublog.com/2009/10/23/twelve-canaris-tombs-discovered-in-lambayeque/

October 21, 2009

More Info on the “Lady of Pacopampa”

Stuart Starr had more info on the "Lady of Pacopampa" tomb found in Cajamarca recently. A young girl was buried in the tomb in the Formative period at 1000 BCE. The Japanese team carrying out the excavation have determined that she was being raised to be a leader of her people. She had deliberate cranial deformation, a bluish substance and cinnabar in her grave, indicating elite status. This discovery disproves the notion that this was a period not yet marked by class differentiation. They found gold earrings with feather designs and many beads in her tomb. She died between age 30-40 and had eaten an elite diet.

The story and a nice photo are here;

http://enperublog.com/2009/10/19/lady-of-pacopampa-a-woman-born-to-rule/#more-3364

October 20, 2009

17 Ancient Wooden Statuettes Found at Chan Chan

Peruvian archaeologists have found 17 very rare ancient wooden statuettes at the Chan Chan site. They date from 1350 CE. They were placed in niches in the walls. They were produced by the Chimu Culture.

Andina has the short report here with 3 photos;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=ncIuOnaSF9g=

Stuart Starrs, at his excellent EnPeru Blog, has revealed more info on the wooden statues found at Chan Chan. The statues were produced to help in the transition fro worldly to divine. This area was closed off after the ruler, who had that section of the site constructed, died. They do not represent warriors or gods but well wishers bidding farewell. They are both male and female and each is different. The females are carrying spondylus shells and the men have snails. This discovery will give new meaning to Chan Chan. More statues will probably be uncovered.

Stuart has some really nice photos of the statues and the story at;

http://enperublog.com/2009/10/20/nain-an-sculptures-new-secrets-revealed-at-ancient-chan-chan/#more-3370

October 8, 2009

One of the Oldest Friezes in the World Uncovered at Vichama

Archaeologists led by Ruth Shady Solis have discovered a frieze of a person holding an instrument, either a knife of a spindle, that dates to 3000 BCE at the Vichama site in Peru. This would be one of the oldest friezes in the world. It appears that the frieze is associatedritual sacrifices. Vichama is part of the Caral interaction sphere that dates from 3000-1800 BCE.

El Comercio (Peru) has the story here (in Spanish);

http://elcomercio.pe/impresa/notas/friso-tendria000-anos-antiguedad/20091007/351825

October 7, 2009

12 Tombs and Ruins Uncovered in Peru

Archaeologists have found 12 tombs and 12 pre-Columbian ruins in an archaeological complex on a hill near Cusco. An altar has been uncovered in the ruins that served as a cult location and one of the tombs has precious metals indicating an important burial. The excavations will continue until December 31.

Andina has the short report here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=RF3ATCcodGg=

September 30, 2009

9th Century Mural Uncovered in Peru

A polychrome mural has been uncovered in the facade of a ceremonial complex at the Chotuna complex near Lambayeque city. There are friezes with circular designs and an anthropomorphic wave which is a symbol of the Lambayeque culture. A dune was removed to reveal the mural. The building dates to the 9th century CE. Last year, 11 skeletons of sacrificed women were found at this site.

Andina has the story with a partial photo of the mural here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=8Z5+HxcYzsE=

September 21, 2009

Wari Site Uncovered at a Catholic Shrine in Peru

The ruins of a site with Wari influence has been found at the Virgin of Cocharcas shirine's subsoil. There is a pre-Hispanic wall and a ceremonial building at the site. A crypt with colonial bones has also been found.

Andina has the short report here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=36kWMRSekbA=

September 18, 2009

Surprise Tomb Uncovered in Peru

In a surprise discovery, a man with a rattle device has been found buried with Moche priestesses at the site of San Jose El Moro in Peru.The bodies were surrounded by human and llama bones and ancient "smoke machines." The double chambered tomb dates to 850 CE. The wooden coffin containing the male was decorated with copper lattice and a gilded mask. The site had already yielded 7 royal priestesses. Ceramic bowls filled niches in the tomb area with smaller bowls within them.

The bottles were heated and dropped into liquid filled bowls to create a steamy mist during the funeral. Behind the sealed door to the second painted chamber were two females and a male in simple burials, perhaps sacrifices. Another male was sat cross legged and a lone mask

was placed on the floor.

In the elite male's coffin was a mask, a long stick with bells and other metal objects. There is an archetype of a male with a rattle similar to this, and this may be the man that the archetypes represent. He is known as "Wrinkle Face," and is a central figure in burial scenes often shown lowering a coffin alongside another archetypal person named Iguana. Moche expert Steve Bourget believes the tomb may be of a king surrounded by satellite tombs for priestesses.

National Geographic has the story with a good slide show of the finds;

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/09/090918-peru-tomb-moche-male-priestesses.html

September 10, 2009

Impressive Citadel Found in Peru

An impressive citadel has been discovered at a height of 3000 meters in Cajamarca Province in Peru. There are 2 apartment complexes and pre-Inca and Inca stone construction along with sidewalks, cave paintings

and pottery.

Andina has the short report and a photo here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=HLK1a7ortFk=

September 10, 2009

3000 Year Old Tomb of an Elite Female Found in Peru

A tomb of an elite woman has been found in the archaeological complex of Pacopampa in Peru. She was buried in the main platform of a ceremonial center. She died in 900 BCE, was between 30-40 years old, and was buried with gold jewelry, shells and ceramics. The shell objects show that this mountainous area was in communication with the coast. Cinnabar was spread on her skull and body and some blue material which will be analyzed. She was buried in a fetal position and the legs tied in a mortuary rite

physorg.com has the story here;

http://www.physorg.com/news171782046.html

September 9, 2009

Ancient Remains of Teenagers Uncovered at Sacsayhuaman

Remains of two children, 12 and 13, were uncovered at Sacsayhuaman in Peru. They were buried in a fetal position facing a sacred mountain. A small stone model of the hilltops and a painted vessel were found with them.

Living in Peru has the story here;

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/10052

August 25, 2009

Oldest Sipan Ancestor Uncovered

The tomb of a Mochica noble or warrior has been uncovered in the Huaca Rajada in Lambayeque. The remains would be the oldest ancestor of the Sipan dynasty discovered so far. The Lord of Sipan was found here in 1987 and this new grave dates to the beginning of the Sipan dynasty. It now appears that the dynasty stretches much further back than was believed.

Andina has the story here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=mXbwp2bqXLo=

July 21, 2009

Food From an Andean Feast 4200 Years Ago Identified

University of Missouri researchers have studied dish ware from a feast from more than 4000 years ago at the Fox Temple at the Buena Vista site in Peru and have recovered starch grains from manioc, potato, chili pepper, arrowroot and algarrobo. Residue from bottle gourds and squash artifacts were studied to ascertain the foods they held at the feast where this food was served.

EurekAlert has the story here;

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-07/uom-ahl072109.php

July 14, 2009

Chimu Woman Uncovered at Chan Chan

The skeletal remains of a Chimu woman have been found in a palace at Chan Chan in Peru. She is around 22 years old and may have been hanged or buried alive to avoid the impact of the El Nino Southern Oscillation.

Andina has the short report here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=88nCvOZoO5c=

July 11, 2009

New Inca Road Uncovered

An unknown Inca road has been uncovered that led to Machu Picchu. It is made of stone masonry with sustaining walls 13-16 feet high. This road was suspected as having been in existence. It may have been a spiritual road only traversed by religious personages. More excavations will take place.

Art Daily has the story here;

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=31999

July 8, 2009

Maize and State Society in the Andes

Skeletons found at an ancient Wari site in the Andes have yielded evidence that maize farming started early in the Andes and helped fuel early state society. Humans living in the area 2,800 years ago regularly ate maize, the skeletons show. This stimulated population growth and led to a complex society. Did the highland societies of the Andes depend primarily on maize or on potatoes and beans? The new studies show intensive maize cultivation is the answer for the development of the Wari state. Andean expert Dan Sandweiss concurs and he says a warmer, wetter climate at the time and the spread of terraced cultivation spurred this. Hundreds of skeletons from many sites were studied and it shows that maize consumption was primary at all of these sites.

Another earlier study suggests maize was consumed in Andean Argentina 4000 years ago. More formative area sites will now be studied to follow up on this find.

Science News has the story here;

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/45413/description/Maize_may_have_fueled_ancient_Andean_civilization

June 17, 2009

Pre-Inca Tomb Uncovered at Macchu Picchu

A pre-Inca tomb has been found inside the Macchu Picchu Archaeological Park. The remains are of a woman from the Quillke Culture based on the pottery and other remains found at the site. The tomb points to a mountain called Wakaywillka.

Andina has the short report with a photo here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=eyyzr413uKc=

June 10, 2009

Andean Cross Symbolism Uncovered at 4000 Year Old Ventarron

A new set or rooms shaped like the ancient Andean Chacana or Andean Cross have been uncovered at the Ventarron site in Peru. These rooms are 4000 years old. Chacanas are found in the Chavin culture of 3000 years ago and in the Moche Culture of 1000 years ago. The oldest examples are found at 5000 year old Caral. The find at Ventarron is the first time the Chacana has been found to be incorporated into architecture. Ventarron is the site of the earliest mural ever discovered in the Americas. On top of the temple at the site, where excavations are ongoing, an eternal flame device was discovered and further excavations will reveal more about this religious symbolism.

En Peru Blog has the story with photos here;

http://enperublog.com/2009/06/08/ancient-temple-wall-discovered-shaped-like-andean-chakana/

June 5, 2009

33 Sacrificed (Mostly) Teens Uncovered in the Lambayeque Area of Peru

Archaeologists in Peru have found three dozen people sacrificed by the Lambayeque 600 years ago at Chotuna-Chornancap near the tomb of Sipan. Their necks and collarbones were cut. Most were young women around 15 years of age. One was pregnant. Their skin tissue and hair have been preserved as they were in a dry area 7 feet underground.

Erik Boot sends this article from El Universal and a personal

blog which has many very good photos of the find. (both in Spanish)

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/602611.html

http://wilx1974.blogspot.com/2009_05_31_archive.html

May 25, 2009

12 Archaeological Sites Found Along Peruvian Highway

12 archaeological sites were found last week along the Southern Inter-Oceanic Highway in the Peruvian jungle. These include petroglyphs, cave paintings, Inca terraces and ancient tombs. One of the petroglyph groups has lizard shaped creatures on them.

Andina has the story here with one photo;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=JktnMOurirc=

May 15, 2009

Update on Inca Burials at Machu Picchu

A funerary bundle of a 14-16 year old person has been uncovered at Torontoy in Machu Picchu. It was found in a perpheral platform site undergoing restoration.

Andina has the short report here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=O6ffYqUgltI=

In an update to the find, it was revealed that the burial of the 14-15 year old man was in the same spot as an earlier burial find of a 30-35 year old man. It would appear that the burials took place during the Spanish conquest in a hasty way without following strict Inca guidelines. The Inca in the area fled to the Cusco jungle where the last 4 Inca rulers took refuge for 40 years. The burials were sealed before the Inca fled.

Andina has the update here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=6m5TSrqy97g=

May 8, 2009

4000 Year Old “Tenon Heads” Discovered in Ancash Province, Peru

A number of "Tenon Heads" have been discovered in the Peruvian department of Ancash and are older than the Tenon heads of Chavin de Huantar. They are older than the Chavin "Tenon Heads" at 4000 years old. This area is the center of the Huaylas Culture. This is where the Chavin Culture may have originated.

Andina has the story here with a photo;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=mLXMZsqstxc=

April 10, 2009

Update on the Lord of Ucupe Tomb

The National Geographic has an update on the tomb of the Lord of Ucupe found last summer. The tomb is of a Moche leader buried between 340-540 CE and is located 475 miles north of Lima at the base of the Huaca el Peublo stepped pyramid. The Lord died in his early thirties. His body was covered with a tunic and train of gilded copper plates and he had two funerary masks and a necklace of disc shaped silver rattles. He had a gilded crown on his head and six more crowns and 10 diadems on top of his body along with six metal war clubs. He was wrapped in a bundle of reed and textiles. He was entombed atop another man who had another man beside him who was atop a pregnant woman. The whole burial array is calling into question widely held ideas about Moche political organization.

National Geographic has the story here with a slideshow of 10 excellent photos;

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090410-peru-tomb.html

April 7, 2009

Discoveries in Lima

Funerary bundles, ceramics and friezes have been found in Huaca Huantille, in Lima. They date from 1000-1400 CE and are from the Ichma culture.

Andina has the short report here and a photo.

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=mxx1YjEFF3o=

And there is more on the Huaca Huantille finds here with good photos and a video;

http://enperublog.com/2009/04/06/huaca-huantille/

April 4, 2009

Possible Bagua Culture Pre-Inca Site Found

An expedition organized by a local chamber of tourism in Amazonas have found a pre-Inca site called Lluvihuasi. It has several stone walls in a crescent shape. They may belong to the Bagua Culture.

Andina has the short report here;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=23o2jpGzK7Y=

March 22, 2009

Pre-Inca Citadel and Cemetary Uncovered in Amazonas Province

A pre-Inca citadel and cemetary has been found in the Amazonas province of Peru. It consists of circular stone houses on a mountain. Stone axes and pottery bowls were also uncovered as well as skulls and other skeletal remains of its inhabitants.

Andina has the story here with 4 photos;

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=ypP9LZ6frcI=

March 22, 2009

Two Giant Ancient Petroglyphs Uncovered in a Peruvian Desert

Two large anthropomorphic geoglyphs that are 2,700 years old have been found in the Ocucaje Desert in the Ica Department of Peru. They were uncovered by wind and rain gusts in the desert.

Peru.Com News has the story and a great photo of one of the giant geoglyphs here. (in Spanish)

http://www.peru.com/noticias/sgc/portada/2009/03/21/detalle27354.aspx

March 17, 2009

10,000 Cave Paintings 6,000 Years Old Found in Peru

10,000 cave paintings dating back 6000 years have been found in the Amazonas province of Peru. They were found near the village of Tambolic. The paintings have been uncovered over the past two years. They are of hunting scenes involving guanacos.

They are very similar to the Toquepala cave paintings not too far away.

The Peruvian Times has the story in English here;

http://www.peruviantimes.com/thousands-of-6000-year-old-cave-paintings-found-in-perus-amazon-region/

And Portal Mundos has pictures of the Toquepala cave paintings.

http://mundoviajes.portalmundos.com/en/atractivos-turisticos-en-tacna-la-cueva-toquepala/

March 10, 2009

Two Chachapoyas Mummies Found

Two mummies were found in a sarcophagi in the Amazonas province in Peru. The sacophagi had been looted but one mummy is complete and is in front of the Karajia archaeological complex. These are Chachapoyas mummies. They are surrounded by pottery and other objects.

Andina has the short report here with a photo of the intact mummy.

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=dMn5sxNp2r4=

February 19, 2009

2500 Year Old Tomb of a Child Found Near the Oldest Mural in the Americas

A 2,500 year old tomb of a 3 year old boy has been uncovered very near the "trapped deer" temple which is the home of the oldest mural ever found in the Americas. The mural is over 4000 years old. The child uncovered comes from the Gallinazo culture.

Living in Peru has the short report here;
http://www.livinginperu.com/news/8348

And here is the earlier story on the trapped deer mural with photos from National Geographic;
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/11/071112-peru-temple.html

January 27, 2009

Nazca Lines for Prayer Walking?

Two researchers, publishing in New Scientist, have theorized that the Nazca lines may have been made for prayer walking. They measured anomalies in the Earth's magnetic field caused by changes in soil density at various depths. Some lines produced stronger magnetic anomalies perhaps because the soil beneath was compacted by people walking back and forth during prayer rituals. Ceramic vessels were placed along the lines, perhaps as offerings.

New Scientist has the story here;
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126924.200-peruvians-walked-their-prayers-into-the-earth.html

January 19, 2009

The Demise of the Caral-Supe Civilization

A group of anthropologists, studying the demise of the coastal Peruvian civilization 3,600 years ago, have concluded that it was due to natural calamities. They have published their findings in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." The Caral-Supe Valley civilization had built large, elaborate pyramid temples, fished with nets, irrigated fruit orchards and grew cotton in an arid desert plain adjacent to bays and estuaries 5,800 years ago. Around 3,600 years ago, an enormous earthquake or series of earthquakes hit the area which did enormous damage at all of the associated sites. This was accompanied by flooding. Mountain ranges nearby were destabilized and huge amounts of debris were washed into the foothills and then a series of El Ninos re-deposited the sand and silt and sealed off the rich coastal bays which then filled with sand.
Onshore winds then blew in massive sand sheets swamping the irrigation systems and agricultural fields. The sand blasted all life out of the valley and the Caral-Supe society collapsed.

Science Daily has the story here;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119210342.htm

December 25, 2008

Caribbean Inhaling Bowls Discovery

Inhaling bowls, shallow vessels with two adjacent spouts, are found on many Caribbean islands. They were used to snort hallucinogens. 3 of them were unearthed on the island of Carriacou in the Antilles. These were made around 400 BCE but the island was not settled till 400 CE and the mineral content of the bowls show they were not made on that island. So the bowls came from another island-possibly Puerto Rico-and were kept as heirlooms passed from generation to generation. The findings are detailed in The Journal of Archaeological Science.

Live Science has the story here;
http://www.livescience.com/culture/081223-nhm-family-artifacts.html

You can find pictures of the inhaling bowls used by the ancient Caribbean peoples to snort hallucinogenic substances, mostly a drug called cohoba, and an article on the ritual at these pages;
http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2008/10/prehistoric-drug-paraphernalia.html

And the article on the ritual here;
http://www.elmuseo.org/taino/cohoba.html

December 19, 2008

New Findings on Nazca Trophy Heads

New evidence suggests the Nazca obtained ritual skulls by beheading some of their own people, not foreign warriors. Many of the trophy heads were taken to spur crop growth says Kelly Knudson of Arizona State University. He has analyzed diet-related substances in the teeth of the trophy heads. It is not clear whether the trophy heads were taken from other local Nazca groups fighting each other or from within one group but it looks like the heads are of ancestors and not outside enemies. 150 Nazca trophy heads have been excavated so far often in caches of as many as 48 skulls in graves as offerings to the dead and in public buildings. Some were women and teenagers.
Strontium, oxygen and carbon in the teeth of the heads were compared from Nazca heads at the Field Museum and from ones in Peru and it became clear that many of the folks beheaded lived in the same general area. DNA sequences are also very close in the two sets of heads.

Science News has the story here;
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/39475/title/Taking_trophy_heads_close_to_home

December 17, 2008

277 Bronze Artifacts Found at Inca Site

277 bronze artifacts have been found at the Sacsayhuaman site in Cusco. 179 plumbs and 98 nose rings were discovered in enclosure #6 along with human remains and burned products like corn. This confirms the hypothesis that the Incas had differing methods of house construction and used high quality techniques to control vertical alignment.

Andina has the story here with a photo;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=6KnV5zLC+pI=

December 15, 2008

Petroglyphs, Dwellings and Cave Art Found in the Peruvian Amazon

Petroglyphs, dwellings with vaulted niches, ceramics and cave art have been discovered in La Palma in the Peruvian Amazon. The petroglyphs include elements which can be seen according to the sun's position during the day.

Andina has the story here with 2 photos;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=6k8AiqGRS88=

December 14, 2008

Big Discoveries of a Wari Stronghold in Peru

Discoveries are being made at the Cerro Patapo site about 15 miles from Chiclayo in the Lambayeque area of Peru. Archaeologists have found a fort, houses, schools, solar observatories, a monastery and a courtroom. A huge ceramic pot was found contiaining the trousseau of a woman between 17-21. Two Geoglyphs were found--a pelican like mythical bird and an ocean wave. Residential areas of the lords who ruled the area from 750-1470 CE were also found.
The excavated court area has prison cells and the main court room. This was built right after the decline of the Moche and during the arrival of the Wari in the 700s CE. The report goes on to detail the controversy surrounding the excavation which hampers archaeological work in Peru.

En Peru has the story here with a few photos;
http://enperublog.com/

And Andina has the story here;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=OxXwzKMFaas=

December 5, 2008

New Site Finds Confirm the Ancient Amazon Had Large Populations

National Geographic reports that excavations of pre-Columbian burial grounds in the jungles of Brazil and Argentina reveal that ancient cultures there had huge celebrations at burial sites upon the deaths of chiefs where meat steamed in earthen ovens was consumed along with maize beer. Rings of ovens have been built up around the burial sites over generations. Bowls and drinking cylinders still contain corn residue.
The Jee people are among the groups that carried out these kind of festivities showing that this group was not as small or nomadic as once thought. It looks like there was a sizable organized population in the area. Subterranean houses have also been uncovered in the area.
The Jee people were marking their land against groups of outsiders with the huge burial mound complexes they built up.

National Geographic has the story here;
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/12/081205-tribal-party-missions.html

December 2, 2008

Ancient Fortified Citadel Discovered in the Peruvian Amazon

It has been announced that a team of archaeologists have discovered a fortified citadel in Amazonian northeast Peru from the pre-Inca era. The site covers 12 acres sitting atop a chasm that may have been a lookout point. There are rock paintings on some of the fortifications and large platforms for grinding seeds and wild plants for medicine and food.
The site is likely a Chachapoyas civilization outpost.

Andina has the story here with one simple photo;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?Id=Z9ELyIpRUcc=

November 29, 2008

Sican Elite Burials Uncovered in Peru

New excavations at the Bosque de Pomac site have turned up two more burials of Sican elite found with gold, silver and copper ornaments. The graves date to 900-1100 BCE. Work continues on the Huaca Loro pyramid which will turn up more evidence about these elite burials. They have excavated 50 burials at the site in the past decade.

En Peru has the story here;
http://enperublog.com/

November 28, 2008

Another Tomb Found Near Machu Picchu

Peruvian archaeologists have found another ancient tomb near Machu Picchu at the Torontoy complex. The person was buried with pottery, plates, a pitcher with anthropomorphic designs and garment pins. Perhaps it was a dedicatory sacrifice or perhaps it was a site desertion sacrifice. Further study is ongoing.

Andina has the short report here;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=TGINc/USD1M=

November 23, 2008

5,500 year old settlement found near Nazca

Peruvian and German archaeologists have found a 5,500 year old settlement near Nazca. A group of homes with 19 graves and a possible mummified child have been uncovered. Also found were carved bones and snail-shells, deer horns, necklaces and bracelets made from shells.

The Latin American Tribune has the story here;
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=321205&CategoryId=14095

November 20, 2008

Ancient Amazonian Super-Dirt

National Geographic has posted an article on the amazing man-made "super-dirt" or "terra Preta" ancient Amazonians used to create a thriving civilization in the Amazon jungle in advance of their special tonight on these ancient Amazonians on the NG Channel.
Scientists are now finding out that the dirt was a mixture of charcoal, dirt, pottery, human excrement and other waste. They are now trying to re-create the mixture which could help fight global warming and feed the hungry. This "dark earth" is not of the natural yellowish color of the regular soil in the jungle. The terra preta attracts fungi and other microorganisms that make the soil fertile over long periods. This soil is still working today to reduce acidity in the jungle soil. This soil can reduce greenhouse gases by trapping carbon that would ordinarily be released into the atmosphere and keep it underground thus helping end slash and burn farming which does add to global warming.

National Geographic has the story here with a video;
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/11/081119-lost-cities-amazon.html

November 10, 2008

Large Ancient Complex Found in Bolivia

A Japanese/Bolivian team has found a skeleton in Bolivia dating to 700 CE. The skeleton was excavated in a man made hill at the Loma Chocolatalito site. Ceramic dolls, pottery, animal bones and other tools were found there. The team claims the finds indicate an ancient society with a large population. There are canals, waterways, reservoirs and ancient roads around the complex. The area was inhabited from 100-1200 CE. The site was abandoned at 1200 CE.

Japan Times has the story here;
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20081111f3.html

October 22, 2008

Drugs Found in Hair of Andean Mummies

The first hard evidence of psychoactive drug use has been found in the hair of Andean mummies from 800-1200 CE at Tiwanaku obtained by long distance trade. One of the adult males had damage near the nose, perhaps from sniffing. A baby also had drug traces perhaps from pregnancy or breast feeding.
Elaborate snuffing kits have been found in Tiwanaku tombs. Some had powder from the vilca tree whose seeds are hallucinogenic. Snuffing imagery is found in Tiwanaku ceramics, woodwork, stonework and textiles. The drugs found were obtained from the Amazon. This supports the concept of Atacama Desert/Amazon trade.

National Geographic has the story here;
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/10/081022-drug-mummies.html

A tiny url;
http://tinyurl.com/5mqdwb

October 17, 2008

Important Temples Uncovered in Peru

Two temples have been uncovered in the Collud-Zarpan complex in the Lambayeque region. Walter Alva, Director of the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, said these were the most important religious temples of the formative period. They were constructed between 2000-3000 BCE. The Cupinisque and Chavin culture influences are apparent. There was also a mural representing an arachnid deity found.

Andina has the story here;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=ZKG4V7jAo+4=

A tiny URL;
http://tinyurl.com/59vosk

October 3, 2008

New Pyramid Found in the Cahuachi Desert

New remote sensing technology has revealed an ancient adobe pyramid in Peru's Cahuachi desert a mile from the Cahuachi site. Nicola Masinsi and Rosa Lasaponara announced the discovery at a satellite imagery conference in Rome. Cahuachi is a Nazca site from 100 BCE-500 CE. The Nazca sealed all of their monuments and buried them under desert sand at Cahuachi when they abandoned the site. The new pyramid is 300 by 328 feet at the base and has four terraces and seven levels. Other buried structures nearby are now being investigated.

Discovery has the story here;
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/03/peru-cahuachi.html

October 1, 2008

New Skeletal Finds at Machu Picchu

A new chemical analysis of skeletons buried at Machu Picchu shows Inca kings used a special class of royal retainers from all over the Inca empire to maintain the site. These people did agricultural work on royal estates, attended to nobles on expeditions and campaigns doing administrative work and some served as provincial officials. Half were women who wove, brewed beer and served as wives in arranged marriages. Royalty at Machu Picchu were all buried in Cuzco.

Science News has the story here;
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/37043/title/Machu_Picchu's_far-flung_residents

September 10, 2008

Sacrificed Pregnant Woman and Fetus Uncovered at Lambayeque Site

Archaeologists have found the jawbone of a fetus among the remains of a sacrificed woman from the Lambayeque culture proving the Lambayeque sacrificed pregnant women and their children. The remains were found with 3 other sacrificed women and sacrificed llamas.
7 women were found in two tombs at the Chotuna Chornancap site which lasted from 800-1350 AD. All the women had signs of having their throats cut. It is believed they were sacrificed to honor the reconstruction of a new temple at the site or to honor the death of an important personage.
In a separate dig, 8 tombs containing 21 bodies were found at Sacsayhuaman in Cuzco. They were probably sacrificed servants.

The AP has the story here;
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080911/ap_on_sc/peru_pre_inca_tomb&printer=1;_ylt=AkvlCze9k0xy1rKDAExyvQBxieAA

A tiny URL;
http://tinyurl.com/5vvrle

September 9, 2008

An Astounding 19,239 Ceremonial Objects Uncovered at Sacsayhuaman

The National Institute of Culture of Cusco has found an astounding 19,329 ceremonial objects including 2 gold sculptures at Sacsayhuaman in their latest excavations. The gold objects are anthropomorphic or humanoid in a plea position. Many quartz objects were uncovered, thousands of beads of spondylus shell, cat and monkey teeth.

Andina has the story here;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?Id=wBuAQr5k+54=
A tiny URL;
http://tinyurl.com/5f9ley

September 8, 2008

Underground Passage Uncovered at Chavin de Huantar

An underground passage has been discovered at Chavin de Huantar in Peru. The passage has a stone staircase that connects to the Mosna River. Broken pottery, animal and human remains and some metals have been found. The Chavin Culture lasted from 1500-300 BCE.

Andina has the short report here;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=QGw5yIRHeCU=

And a tiny URL here;
http://tinyurl.com/6jcmdp

September 5, 2008

Sacrificed Child, Textiles, Ceramics Uncovered at Cahuachi

A team led by Giuseppe Orefici has been excavating at the Cahuachi site in desert Peru, 28 miles from the city of Nazca. They have found many artifacts including engraved gourds, textiles, ceramics and a sacrificed child. Cahuachi covers 24 square kilometers that contains huge pyramids, temples and platforms that have been excavated by the same team. It was at Cahuachi that the Nazca culture developed and the line builders may have lived at Cahuachi. The Nazca lines resemble the iconography on the Cahuachi artifacts. Many Nazca lines point towards Cahuachi.

Andina has the story here with 2 photos;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=fQivUwOHa2I=

A tiny URL;
http://tinyurl.com/5syt5q

September 4, 2008

New Inca Wall Uncovered in Cusco

A new Inca wall has been found deep underground two blocks from Cusco's main square. The wall matches the research concept there had been a royal way to Contisuyo where the discovered wall is pointing.

Andina has the short report here;
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=asj7yPwA42s=

A tiny URL;
http://tinyurl.com/6a3zwp

September 3, 2008

Pre-Inca Ruins and Skeletons Found in the Colca Valley

A scientific expedition have found pre-Inca tombs and archaeological remains in an unexplored region of the Colca Canyon in Peru. Skeletal remains had skin and hair remains in a good state of conservation and the team also found a complex of ruins.

Living in Peru has the story here;
http://www.livinginperu.com/news/7286

ANDEAN AND AMAZONIAN ARCHAEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Friends,

I would like to invite you all to join the listserv "Aztlan" as it joins its new host at FAMSI -- The Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc.
Aztlan has been around for well over a decade, and has recently been moved to a new home at FAMSI. It is one of the oldest and most respected listservs for Mesoamerican Prehistory.

Recent conversations on Aztlan cover such topics as:

Wheels in Mesoamerica, ancient Americas food,
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Aztlan typically has an activity level of approximately 3-5 emails per day. This may be too many emails for the casual reader. In this case, I still suggest subscribing, but click the bubble for "daily digest" which will deliver all Aztlan messages in a single daily email (you will therefore only receive one email per day, containing all of the day's messages).

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