Archaeologists in Peru have made a poignant discovery, unearthing the mummified remains of six children believed to have been sacrificed over 1,200 years ago. The tiny skeletons, carefully wrapped in cloth, were found at the Cajamarquilla dig site, located east of Lima, Peru’s capital. These children were likely sacrificed to accompany a deceased nobleman on his journey to the afterlife. The findings shed light on the ancient religious beliefs and ritual practices of pre-Incan civilizations, such as the Wari culture.
The macabre sacrificial ritual
The grave in which the mummified children were found is believed to be the resting place of an influential individual, possibly a political figure, aged between 35 and 40 at the time of his death. In addition to the children, the tomb also contained the remains of seven adults who had not been mummified. The nobleman was buried in a fetal position, with his hands covering his face and bound with rope.
Archaeologists hypothesize that these children were likely the offspring of the nobleman and were sacrificed as part of elaborate funerary rituals. The pre-Incan inhabitants, potentially from the Wari civilization, believed it was crucial for the deceased’s soul to be accompanied on its journey to the afterlife. Sacrificing adults and children was a common practice among ancient Andean societies, including the Aztec, Mayan, and Incan empires, as well as various ethnic groups. These sacrifices were performed to appease deities and intimidate enemies.
Learn about ancient beliefs and rituals
For the people of these ancient cultures, death was not seen as the end but rather as a transition to a parallel world where the deceased continued to exist. They believed that the souls of the departed became protectors of the living. This belief in the afterlife shaped their religious practices and rituals surrounding death.
In the case of the mummified children found at the Cajamarquilla site, their bodies were meticulously wrapped in layers of textiles, following the customary practices of ancient pre-Hispanic rituals. The process of wrapping the bodies in textiles was significant, as it was believed to provide protection and ensure the deceased’s safe passage to the afterlife.
These sacrificial acts, including the offering of children, were conducted with the purpose of accompanying the deceased nobleman on his journey and elevating his status in the afterlife. The belief was that by sacrificing children, who were considered pure and innocent, their souls would serve as companions and guardians for the nobleman in the parallel world. The sacrifice was seen as a way to honor and please the gods, seeking their favor and protection for both the deceased and the living.
The meticulous wrapping of the children’s bodies in layers of textiles indicates the care and reverence with which these rituals were carried out. It was a way to honor the children and ensure their preparedness for the journey to the afterlife. The wrapping process may have also symbolized the transformation and preservation of the child’s essence as they transitioned into their role as protectors in the spiritual realm.
Archaeological Significance
The burial pattern discovered in Cajamarquilla bears similarities to other notable archaeological findings, such as the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, a ruler from 1,700 years ago. In that case, children and adults were sacrificed and buried alongside the nobleman. Evidence of violence was found on some of the individuals, indicating the ritualistic nature of the sacrifices.
The recent discovery in Cajamarquilla presents an opportunity for archaeologists to delve further into the reasons behind these sacrifices and their significance in pre-Incan culture. By employing specialized investigations, such as DNA analysis, strontium and nitrogen testing, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the rituals and their cultural context. These scientific methods could provide insights into the social and religious aspects of these ancient civilizations.
The heartbreaking discovery of six mummified children in Peru’s Cajamarquilla site has shed light on the ancient practice of child sacrifice among pre-Incan civilizations. These sacrificial acts were performed to accompany deceased noblemen on their journey to the afterlife and were an integral part of religious beliefs and rituals. As archaeologists continue to explore the site and conduct further investigations, they hope to unravel the mysteries surrounding these ancient cultures and gain a greater understanding of their customs and traditions.
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