Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Credit: DDC Lambayeque
Archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of a 5,000-year-old ceremonial temple and human skeletal remains beneath a sand dune in the Zaña district of northwestern Peru. The site is part of the Los Paredones de la Otra Banda-Las Ánimas Archaeological Complex.
Excavations began on June 3, revealing the remnants of the walls of a multi-storey temple. Wedged between these walls were the skeletons of three adults, suggesting possible sacrificial rituals.
The burials, which included offerings wrapped in cloth, indicate that this site could have been used for sacrificial rituals. The findings suggest a significant ceremonial purpose for the temple.
Luis Armando Muro Ynoñán, director of the Archaeological Project of Cultural Landscapes of Úcupe - Zaña Valley, described the site as a 5,000-year-old religious complex with mud-built walls and a central staircase leading to a stage area.
The temple walls were adorned with intricate friezes depicting human bodies with bird heads, feline features, and reptilian claws. The upper portions of the walls were coated in fine plaster with pictorial designs.
Researchers also discovered another monument dating back to A.D. 600-700, during Peru's Moche period. The Moche are known for their large temples and artistic creations, including ceramic goblets shaped like human heads.
The team identified the burial of a child, aged 5 or 6, which took place years after the initial temple construction. This suggests continued use and significance of the site over centuries.
The discoveries provide valuable insights into the ceremonial practices and architectural styles of ancient Peruvian cultures. The intricate designs and sacrificial evidence highlight the cultural and religious importance of the site.
The findings have opened new avenues for research into the ancient civilizations of Peru. Further excavations and studies are expected to uncover more details about the rituals, social structures, and daily lives of the people who built and used the temple.