San Jose de Moro

San Jose de Moro is a Moche archaeological site in the Pacanga District, Chepén Province, La Libertad Region, of Northwestern Peru [1]. The earliest occupation at San Jose de Moro dates to the Middle Moche Period of 400–600 AD [1]. This early period is characterized by boot-shaped tombs and burial offerings consisting of ceramics and metals [1]. The final occupation at the site ranges from 1000–1350 AD during the Lambayeque Period [1]. Excavations began at San Jose de Moro in 1991 and continue today in a program conducted by Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru and headed by archaeologist Luis Jamie Castillo [1]. Excavations at the site have yielded three different types of tombs and indications of feasting in the form of large spaces for the production and storage of chicha [1]. Over the two decades of excavations at San Jose de Moro several burials have been uncovered containing high status female individuals [1]. The importance of these women is indicated by their attire and by the number and nature of the burial offerings in their association [1].