Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery at Chan Chan, the ancient capital of the Chimú Kingdom in Peru. This discovery offers new insights into the rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements of the Chimú civilization, which thrived along the northern coast of Peru from approximately AD 850 to 1470. The unearthing of an ornate wooden sculpture, along with other artifacts, highlights the historical significance of Chan Chan as one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America.
The Chimú Kingdom and Chan Chan
The Chimú culture emerged around AD 850-900, succeeding the Moche culture. The Chimú Kingdom controlled a vast area spanning 1,000 kilometers of coastline, from Piura in the north to Paramonga in the south. The epicenter of this civilization was Chan Chan, a sprawling adobe city covering 4,942 acres. The name Chan Chan likely derives from the Quingnam words “Jiang” or “Chang,” meaning Sun, thus Chan-Chan translates to Sun-Sun.
Chan Chan was composed of nine large rectangular complexes, often referred to as ‘citadels’ or ‘palaces.’ These complexes contained pyramidal temples, reservoirs, cemeteries, plazas, burial platforms, storerooms, and living quarters for the city elite and royalty. The architectural and urban planning achievements of Chan Chan reflect the sophistication and organizational prowess of the Chimú people.
The Discovery at Huaca Takaynamo
The recent excavations were part of the “Recovery of the Huaca Takaynamo” project, which focuses on studying Huaca Takaynamo, located north of the main complex of Chan Chan. During these excavations, archaeologists uncovered a wooden sculpture measuring 47 cm by 16 cm. This sculpture, depicting a litter bearer of a ruler, is adorned with seven vertical color bands and features intricate details such as a flat oval face painted red with almond-shaped eyes, and decorations of mother-of-pearl plates fixed with black resin.
The figure is dressed in a triangular cut skirt decorated with small rectangular bands and wears a trapezoidal cap. Although the sculpture’s exact age has yet to be determined, its form and artistic style suggest it dates back to the early Chimú period, making it between 850 and 1,470 years old. This makes it one of the oldest sculptures found at the site.
Additional Artifacts and Their Significance
Alongside the wooden sculpture, researchers also uncovered a necklace made from nectandra seeds, a genus of plant in the Lauraceae family. The remains of the original thread used to string the necklace were also found, as well as a small black bag decorated with brown and white threads. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the daily life, artistic practices, and material culture of the Chimú people.
Expert Insights
Arturo Paredes Núñez, head of the Pecach Research, Conservation, and Enhancement Unit, highlighted the significance of Chimú wood carvings. He noted that these carvings could be either fixed or mobile, with the fixed sculptures often found at the entrances to some of the walled complexes of Chan Chan. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of Chimú art but also underscores the cultural and historical importance of the site.
Conclusion
The unearthing of the ornate wooden sculpture and other artifacts at Chan Chan is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chimú Kingdom. These findings provide a glimpse into the artistic and societal achievements of a civilization that once flourished along Peru’s northern coast. As archaeologists continue their work at Chan Chan, new discoveries will undoubtedly shed further light on the history and legacy of the Chimú people, enhancing our appreciation for this remarkable pre-Columbian culture.
