Wari ceremonial offerings from Pikillaqta presented in Cusco

Culture Minister Rogers Valencia presented an important discovery of a Wari ceremonial offering which consisted of 6 small idols, 24 silver figures of female warriors, 3 anthropomorphic figures, and 107 pieces representing parts of human bodies carved in spondylus shells, among other artifacts.

Credit: DDC Cusco

“This is an extraordinary discovery by our researchers as it allows us to explore new aspects of Wari culture and reveals the high degree of trade-cultural integration in ancient Peru,” Valencia said.

According to the first hypotheses, researchers at Cusco’s Decentralized Culture Directorate (DDC) carried out the find.

“The next step is to bring the metal pieces to the Brüning Museum’s laboratory specializing in metallurgical works —based in Lambayeque region— and, then, take them back to Cusco for public display,” the Culture sector’s head pointed out.

The discovery took place in one of the 15 excavation sites at Pikillaqta’s main square.

Credit: DDC Cusco

Two camel skeletons, eight spondylus shells, and two small silver sheets were found in a hole of about 70 cm diameter and two-meter depth.

Likewise, a round-shaped ceremonial offering was unearthed as researchers delved deeper. A sort of bar was placed at the center.

Pikillaqta Archaeological Park is one of the most famous pre-Inca sites and the best-preserved ancient cities in Peru.

It was developed between the years 600 and 1,000 AD by the Wari culture in the Central Andes (Ayacucho region).

Source: Andina [January 09, 2019]

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