Archaeologists have discovered a mummy said to be in especially good shape in Peru , dating back to about 1000 or 1200 CE .
Researchers from the Université libre de Bruxelles spend nine weeks research the pre - Colombian site ofPachacamacin Peru , as part of the Ychsma Project , which is name after the local citizenry .
The team explored three huge complex body part during the project , which include a sanctuary for the local root . The area was under Inca prescript in the late 15th century , when it was turned into a water and healing synagogue . The mummy , however , was a welcome find . It was made by the Ychsma people , who were native here from the 10th Century until they were conquered by the Incas in the 15th Century .
“ The at peace is still wrap in theenormous funeral bundlethat serve up as a coffin , ” said Professor Peter Eeckhout , who lead the team , in astatement .
“ Discoveries like this one are exceptionally scarce , and this mummy is improbably well preserved . Samples were collected for carbon-14 date , but the area in which it was discovered and the type of grave intimate this mortal was buried between 1000 and 1200 [ CE ] . ”
Before the Inca arrived at this land site , it had been looted by Spanish conquistadors . One sleeping room , though , was find entire and include this mummy . It was so well preserved that it could be canvas without needing to break it .
" Although thousands of mama have been swallow up at the site , of which 300 [ have been ] dig to appointment by the Ychsma Project , most of them have suffered from looting and other disturbances , " Professor Eeckhout told IFLScience , describing the finding of this mummy as " really exciting . "
When the Incas arrived it ’s think they made considerable change to the land site , establishing it as a large pilgrimage inwardness on the Pacific coast of Peru . They used the worship of divinity to help wield magnate , promoting worship across their empire and make a “ common sense of identity , ” according to Professor Eeckhout .
The team be after to study the mummy using medical imaging techniques such asX - rayscans and3D reconstruction . They want to attempt and work out what position the person at bottom is in , what offerings are inside it , and also if they suffered from any diseases . At the minute they think an grownup is inside .
A number of other objective were found at the situation , presumptively left by worshippers , including Spondylus shells , which symbolize fertility and abundance . These were likely bring to this realm from Ecuador by water during El Niño .
The researchers also get an Inca repository to send Pilgrim Father and rituals , and some form of chapel service for foreign Pilgrim . Inside were more offerings such as vases , and even animals such as dogs .
