Inca ceramic fragments found in Machu Picchu

Inca ceramic fragments —allegedly burned following an offering to Mother Earth— were discovered 30 centimeters underground at Machu Picchu's Mirrors Room.

Archaeologists at Machu Picchu uncover a paved floor and a vessel used by the Incas as a ritual 
[Credit: Miguel Neyra]

The new discovery was unveiled by experts from the Decentralized Culture Directorate of Cusco (DDCC).

They were found entombed in a slab platform as part of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Research Program.

Apparently all the fragments are part of the same vessel which had a pointed base
[Credit: Miguel Neyra]

Several fragments of a cone-shaped vessel were permeated with large quantities of ash, hence their dark color.

According to Fernando Astete, head of the Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park, the pottery remains will undergo physicochemical and Carbon-14 analysis to determine their age and usage.

DDCC is conducting research in three sectors of the Llacta (Inca citadel) and in two areas next to the Wall at Mandor Mountain.

Source: Andina [June 23, 2017]