Archaeologists Unearth Remarkable Burial Site in Barranca
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of Polish-Peruvian archaeologists has unearthed 22 mummified burials in the Peruvian town of Barranca. The find, located on Cerro Colorado hill in the Pativilca Valley, has shed new light on ancient burial practices and sparked intrigue among researchers.
A Glimpse into the Past
The archaeological site, known to researchers for decades, consists of four mounds covering pre-Columbian buildings. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that a joint team from Peru and Poland, led by Peruvian archaeologist Plinio Guillen Alarcón and Polish bioarchaeologist Łukasz Majchrzak, began a new research project that would lead to this remarkable discovery.
The Mummies: A Tale of Two Generations
Of the 22 mummies found, six were adults, while the remaining 16 were children, mostly infants and newborns. The adult mummies were arranged in a sitting position, their bodies tucked into a fetal pose. In contrast, the children’s remains were laid horizontally, creating a striking visual juxtaposition.
Unraveling the Mystery
Bioarchaeologist Łukasz Majchrzak described the finds as “burial bundles” – bodies wrapped in fabrics and plant material. Between the layers of fabric, researchers discovered ceramics, tools, and cult objects, offering a glimpse into the culture and beliefs of this ancient civilization.
A Journey to the Afterlife
The burial practices revealed by this discovery align with Andean posthumous beliefs. According to these traditions, the deceased embark on a year-long journey to their final destination. To aid in this journey, the bundles contained food items, including corn cobs, highlighting the care and preparation that went into these burials.
Technology Meets Archaeology
To preserve the integrity of the mummies, researchers are employing cutting-edge technology. Computed tomography will allow for non-invasive anthropological analysis of the intact burial bundles. Future plans include chemical and isotope analyses to determine if the individuals were local to the area.
A Window to the Past, A Key to the Future
While preliminary dating suggests these mummies are from 1000-1100 AD, radiocarbon dating will provide more precise information. As the team continues to analyze the site, which has only been partially excavated, there’s potential for even more groundbreaking discoveries.
This remarkable find not only offers insights into ancient Peruvian burial practices but also raises new questions about the society that created them. As research continues, the mummies of Barranca promise to reveal more secrets about life and death in pre-Columbian Peru.
