1,000-year-old sitting mummies unearthed from ruins of Peruvian pyramid

The skeletal remains of mummies dating back up to 1,000 years have been found by archaeologists in Peru. They were unearthed from the ruins of the great pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, which is in the Peruvian capital of Lima. The bodies were seated, looking toward the sea, wrapped up in textile and hand-woven natural materials alongside offerings such as ceramics and weaving tools. They were those of pre-Hispanic Ychsma people, who lived along the coastline between 1,000 and 1450 A.D, experts say.

This is a very important discovery because it allows us to confirm that the Huaca Pucllana was an area inhabited by the Ychsma, and that it was used as a burial site

Culture manager Cristia Malaga

The area’s culture manager Cristia Malaga said four burial sites had been found - three with the remains of women. One of the tombs had a skull and other bones, as well as pot-like artefacts. The Huaca Pucllana site consists of a large pyramid, mostly built of adobe – earth and other organic material – and filled with boulders and sand constructions. Archaeologists have also found the remains of Wari warriors - dating back up to 1,300 years - who had moved from the mountains of Peru to the coast.

Science Huaca Pucllana