In 1987 one of the most spectacular archeological finds occurred in Peru; several Moche mummies and burial artifacts were discovered at Huaca Rajada, near Sipan. As fate or luck would have it, the main tomb was hiding the remains of the Lord of Sipán, as he was aptly named at the time. The Lord of Sipán was found to be intact and miraculously untouched by thieves thus offering an insight into the Moche culture.
Huaca Rajada was built as a monument by the Moche culture and consisted of two small adobe pyramids and a low platform. The earlier pyramid was built sometime before 300 AD and the second pyramid approximately around 700 AD.
While many skeletons were found in the area, the Lord of Sipán is the most impressive by far. Thought to be around 1.63 meters in height and 35-45 years old at the time of his death, his splendid regalia made the find truly spectacular. He was buried with elaborate jewelry and ornaments including a headdress, a face mask and a breastplate bearing the head of a man and the body of an octopus. He was also wearing two necklaces with gold and silver beads in the shape of manà (peanuts) to represent the earth the people return to when they die. The ornaments are in gold, silver, copper and have many semi-precious stones.
Buried with the Lord of Sipán were six others: three women in ceremonial clothing (thought to be wives or concubines), two males with amputated feet (possibly warriors) and a dog. 451 ceremonial items and offerings to the gods were also discovered.
An older tomb was found in the same area with similar burial artifacts, and the mummy was named The Old Lord of Sipán as his rank was thought to have been equal to that of the Lord of Sipán. After DNA analysis had been carried out, it was discovered that the two mummies were related via the maternal line. The tomb also contained a metal crown and other religious artifacts and the remains of two other people, a young woman and a man, again with amputated feet.
A total of 14 tombs were uncovered in the area making this an extremely rich find for those interested in archeology and history. You can visit the Royal Tombs Museum of Sipán, in Lambayeque, where the ancient Moche tombs are reproduced and you will be able to admire some of these important finds.
