Human offering over 1,300 years old found at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site in Lima

Human Remains Found at Huaca Pucllana

The Ministry of Culture of Peru found human remains deposited as an apparent offering to the gods in an underground channel associated with the Lima culture, at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site in Miraflores.

Footage filmed on Wednesday shows archaeologists working on the exhumation of the skeleton, using brushes and air blowers.

A Ceremonial Channel Discovery

It is an adult individual, found inside a ceremonial channel of that culture. “We are talking about approximately the year 650 AD, that is, more than 1,300 years ago,” explained Gladys Paz, archaeologist at the Pucllana Site Museum.

The body, provisionally named ‘Lord of the Channel’, was laid along the channel, oriented north to south and resting on its left side, with the skull facing west, “where two elements important to the Lima culture are located, namely the Great Pyramid of Huaca Pucllana and the sea,” Paz detailed.

Offerings Surround the Ancient Body

Around the body, white quartz, marine remains such as shells and fish bones, two birds—one sealing the mouth of the channel—and ceramic vessels were also found.

The bones remain in situ; however, from features observed in the pelvis and occipital crest it was determined that the individual is male, although other data such as cause of death, stature and exact age will be known after analysis by the physical anthropologist.

A Find That Challenges Previous Patterns

The find is noteworthy because it contrasts with the previous pattern recorded at the site, in which most human sacrifices previously documented at Huaca Grande corresponded to women aged between 12 and 25, Paz reported.

The discovery forms part of research being carried out in this sector of the complex since 2020, and could provide more information on the meaning of human offerings and the ceremonial use of underground spaces within the Lima culture.

Article by Viory.