Alongside the body of an unknown woman from the upper class, discovered in the ruins of the ancient city of Aspero, archaeologists uncovered a variety of burial artifacts. Among these were decorative items made from toucan beaks and macaw feathers.
What Did Researchers Discover?
According to scientists, the woman lived between 3000 and 1800 B.C. in the ancient city of Aspero, located just 700 meters from the Pacific Ocean.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture, which oversaw the excavations, reported that the body of this high-status woman was wrapped in various materials, including cotton fabrics, bundles of plant fibers, mats, and nets. The ministry noted that the identity of the woman remains unknown, but she likely held a prominent social position during her lifetime. Researchers were astonished by how well-preserved her skin, hair, and nails were. Previously, human remains found in this area typically consisted only of bones, according to the ministry’s statement.
The upper-class woman died at the age of 20 to 35. She was buried with an astonishingly diverse array of burial artifacts that confirmed her special status. Among these, archaeologists discovered a remarkable piece of ancient decorative art embroidered with macaw feathers, as well as a toucan beak inlaid with green and brown beads, an Amazonian snail shell, and dozens of sweet potatoes.
This woman lived during a time when the Caral civilization, or Caral-Supe, was thriving in Aspero. Known for its large cities and settlements, it was named after the sacred city of Caral-Supe, which spanned 526 hectares and was located in the valley of the Supe River. The UNESCO World Heritage site featured numerous pyramids and temples. The Caral civilization brought a truly urban lifestyle to the region, as reported by Live Science.
The statement indicated that during the height of the Caral civilization, as well as during the time this woman lived, Aspero boasted at least 22 architectural complexes, and its inhabitants likely engaged in fishing and trade.
Archaeologists have suggested that women in the Caral civilization may have achieved high social status. In 2016, archaeologists discovered the remains of a woman in Aspero who was buried with various burial items, including four brooches carved in the shapes of birds and monkeys. Researchers named this deceased individual “Lady of the Four Tupu.” The word “tupu” in the Quechua language means “brooch.” The items buried with her also indicated her special position in society. Interestingly, descendants of the Quechua people can now be found all over the world, with large populations residing in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina.
Currently, archaeologists are analyzing this new find. The burial artifacts will help scientists learn more about how the woman lived and died. Excavations in Aspero have been ongoing for 20 years, and researchers hope that more extraordinary discoveries await them in the future.