New finds at the Pachacamac sanctuary near Lima, Peru

The Pachacamac archaeological site, located about 40 kilometers southeast of Lima, has yielded some new finds.

The wooden carving of a female figure and the cloth covered with brightly-coloured feathers recently found at the Pachacamac sanctuary [Credit: Ministerio de Cultura/Peru21]

According to Peru21, archaeologists working at the site have found two relatively well-preserved artifacts at the site: a small wooden carving depicting a female figure and a cloth covered with brightly-colored feathers.

Peru21 reports that the pieces were found by specialists who work at the Pachacamac site museum. The objects were discovered in the area of the site called Pilgrims’ Plaza.

The wooden figurine measures 8.5 centimeters long, and bears the likeness of a standing woman with her hands resting on her chest. The feathered cloth is 54 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide, and features orange, green, black, and other colors of plumes.

The Pachacamac sanctuary is a religious and administrative center, constructed slowly over centuries by several different cultures, including the Huari and Ichma. The Ichma were later conquered by the expanding Inca empire, and Pachacamac was absorbed into the Inca infrastructure. Most of the buildings in the complex were constructed between 800 and 1450 AD.

According to Peru21, excavations at Pachacamac have been restarted as part of the Qapaq Nan project.

Author: Rachel Chase | Source: Peru This Week [March 05, 2014]