'Mummy' Found Tightly Bound with Rope in Peru... "Estimated to Be at Least 800 Years Old"

Research Team: "Belonging to People Who Lived in the High Andes Mountains"

A mummy excavated underground in the village square of the Cajamarquilla archaeological site near Lima by researchers from the National University of San Marcos in Peru. /Photo by CNN capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A mummy of a young man believed to be at least 800 years old was discovered near Lima, the capital of Peru. The entire body of the mummy was tightly bound with ropes.

On the 28th (local time), according to CNN and The Guardian, on the 26th, researchers from San Marcos National University discovered a well-preserved mummy underground at the Cajamarquilla Plaza, about 25 km from Lima.

The mummy was found in a crouched position with its body tied with ropes, and its own hands covering its face. This is known as a funerary custom in southern Peru.

The research team estimated that the mummy was a male aged 25 to 30 years and was buried at least 800 to 1200 years ago.

Dr. Peter van Dalen Luna, the archaeologist leading the excavation, said, "We have been excavating underground at Cajamarquilla Plaza since mid-October, and we were surprised to find an unexpected mummy. This remains belong to a person who lived in the highlands of the Andes Mountains before the Inca civilization emerged. We expect to determine a more precise chronology through radiocarbon dating."

Additionally, outside the tomb where the mummy was found, traces of various marine mollusks and llama bones were discovered. Dr. Luna explained, "This indicates that descendants continuously held rituals after the body was placed in the tomb. Being buried in the middle of the plaza and receiving such treatment from descendants suggests that this mummy was likely an important figure rather than an ordinary citizen."