Archaeologists in Peru have discovered four mummies of children, believed to be at least 1,000 years old, in what was once a sacred ceremonial space located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in modern-day Lima. The children’s remains, uncovered on Monday alongside those of an adult, are thought to belong to the Ychsma culture that thrived on Peru’s central coast before the Inca Empire’s ascendancy.
The excavation site, found at the base of a staircase on a small hill, is believed to have concealed a temple that was likely constructed 3,500 years ago. According to Luis Takuda, an archaeologist in Lima’s Rimac district, the entire area served as a crucial ceremonial chamber. The people of the Ychsma period considered it a sacred space, leading to the burial of their deceased in this location.
Takuda noted that the mummies’ skulls still retained hair, and the remains were discovered alongside ceramic artifacts. The findings offer insights into the cultural and ceremonial practices of the Ychsma people, shedding light on their reverence for the site.
With a population of approximately 10 million, Lima is home to around 400 archaeological ruins. While Peru’s major archaeological sites, such as those in Cusco, lie outside Lima, the recent discovery underscores the city’s rich historical and cultural significance. The Ychsma culture, predating the Inca Empire, contributes to the diverse tapestry of Peru’s ancient civilizations.
