1,500-year-old frieze found at Peru shrine

Archaeologists in Peru have unearthed a 1,500-year old frieze with human figures believed to be from the indigenous Moche culture, the latest find at a site famous for its pre-Incan treasures.

Huaca de la Luna, Trujillo [Credit: WikiCommons]

The discovery, in Peru's northern La Libertad region, was made at the Huaca de la Luna, or Shrine of the Moon, the El Comercio newspaper reported on Sunday.

Ten sculpted human figures on the work measure 1.6 meters (roughly 5'3") tall, archaeologists working at the site told the paper.

The 1,500-year old frieze with human figures discovered at Peru's 
northern La Libertad region [Credit: AFP]

The Huaca de La Luna sanctuary, which pre-dates the Spanish conquest, is located a few kilometers (miles) outside the current city of Trujillo and is a site rich in ancient archaeological treasures.

The large adobe brick structure was largely spared the looting that befell other sites that were raided by Spanish conquerors.

Ricardo Morales, the official who oversees operations at the site, told El Comercio that the figures underscore the profound religious significance of the site to the pre-Incan Moche inhabitants who dwelled in the region.

Source: AFP [November 10, 2015]