Peru: elite child’s tomb reveals 32 ceramic objects
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Archaeologists in Peru uncovered an ancient tomb belonging to a child from the elite of the Moche society at the Huaca de la Luna archaeological site, in the La Libertad region.
The discovery occurred on the Uhle platform, near the Court of Serpents, and dates to the final period of the Moche culture. Project director Carlos Rengifo explained the find is important for Peruvian archaeology, as previous tombs on the Uhle platform held only adults of high social status.
The child’s tomb measured 1.20 meters long, 70 centimeters wide, and 1.20 meters deep, following typical Moche burial construction. Archaeologists found 32 ceramic objects within the tomb, including decorated plates and vessels depicting birds, prisoners, sacrifice scenes, battles, and deities. A metallic mask, likely made of copper, was found near the child’s skull, along with another metal object by the foot bones.
Enrique Zavaleta, an archaeologist on the project, said that in twenty years of excavation at Huaca de la Luna, he had never found a tomb with such artifacts. One notable vessel showed a coastal lagoon with birds, fish, and frogs, symbols of fertility and water.
The team will continue excavating the tomb and conserving the ceramics, with plans to eventually include the site and its findings in the tourist circuit of Huaca de la Luna and exhibit them at the Santiago Uceda Museum.
