An unusually intact walled funerary complex at Chan Chan, the Chimú Empire’s capital in Peru, contained 38 burials: one person in the central chamber, weapons and metalwork in one side chamber, 20 individuals in the other, and 17 burials elsewhere on the platform. One person was buried fully extended rather than in the flexed position typical of Chimú burials. Grave goods included metal ear ornaments, headdresses, carved wooden boxes with metal appliqués, and shell and quartz necklaces; red pigment on some heads supported the identification of the burials as high-ranking members of Chimú society. Most Chimú elite tombs were looted, so this is a rare win! 🏺⚰️
Intact Chimú funerary platform with 38 burials found at Chan Chan
PeruExcavationSignificant Find
Site mentioned
Key facts
- A remarkably intact walled funerary complex dating to roughly 600 years ago was excavated at Chan Chan, also called Chimor, the capital of the Chimú Empire and one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America.
- The platform had a central tomb chamber reached by a staircase and flanked by two larger side chambers.
- The central chamber held one individual with shell and metal objects; one side chamber held weapons and metal objects, the other the remains of 20 people; 17 further burials elsewhere on the platform brought the total to 38.
- One individual was buried fully extended rather than in the flexed position typical of Chimú burials, raising questions about that person's status or possible sacrifice.
- Grave goods included metal ear ornaments, necklaces, headdresses, carved wooden boxes with metal appliques, and shell and quartz necklaces.
- Traces of red pigment on several individuals' heads and on ceramic vessels support the identification of the burials as high-ranking members of Chimú society.
- Fragile bones degraded by coastal humidity were documented with high-precision photogrammetry, producing millimetre-level 3D models before removal.
- The platform's unusual preservation matters because most other elite Chimú tombs were looted before discovery.
Sources
Archaeologists uncover 600-year-old Chan Chan burial ...foxweather.com
Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved funerary platform containing the remains of 38 high-status individuals at ...
Excavations reveal elite Chan Chan funerary platformheritagedaily.com
Archaeologists at Peru's ancient city of Chan Chan have discovered a remarkably intact funerary platform containing the remains of 38 people ...
News - Burial Platform Excavated at Peru's Chan Chanarchaeology.org
TRUJILLO, PERU—Andina News Agency reports that a funerary platform where 38 Chimú individuals were buried some 600 years ago has been ...
Mass grave of 25 women, children found in Chan Chanthehistoryblog.com
Archaeologists have unearthed a mass grave containing the remains of 25 individuals, mostly women, at the pre-Inca site of Chan Chan near ...
Chan Chan: location, attractions, and opening hours - Trujillocuscoperu.com
The large walled compounds contained plazas, audience chambers, storage facilities, residences, reservoirs, and funerary platforms associated with rulers and ...
Archaeologists uncover 600-year-old Chan Chan burial ...aol.com
Archaeologists have uncovered a burial complex over 600 years old in Chan Chan. The remains of 38 high-status individuals were recovered.
Mass Grave of Women, Children Found in Pre-Hispanic ...smithsonianmag.com
Buried in the Chimú Empire capital of Chan Chan, some of the deceased were interred with needles and sewing tools.
Chimu Archaeology at Chan Chanancientodysseys.com
Excavations at Chan Chan have been ongoing since 1969, El Brujo is ritual and funerary complex consisting of three pyramids (huacas) Archaeologists have found ...
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