Archaeologists working at the ancient fortress of Kuélap in northern Peru have uncovered a funerary structure containing the remains of five individuals alongside ceremonial offerings of significant cultural value.
The discovery was announced by Peru’s Ministry of Culture through the Decentralised Directorate of Culture of Amazonas following excavations conducted in Area 12, located at the junction of Access Routes 1 and 2 within the Kuélap archaeological complex.
The excavation was carried out by specialists from the Kuélap Archaeological and Interdisciplinary Research Programme (PRIAK), who identified a U-shaped stone funerary structure featuring two steps. The structure is connected to a platform situated south of Access 2, an area where additional funerary evidence has also been recorded.
Inside the structure, archaeologists recovered the remains of four adults and one infant. Among the most notable finds was a phytomorphic paccha — a ceremonial vessel associated with ritual libations — crafted in the Regional Inca style. The object represents the fruit of Inga feuilleei, commonly known as pacay or guaba.
Researchers also uncovered an elongated carved bone object depicting a stylised human face wearing a headdress linked to Chachapoya culture. Other artefacts included fragments of metal tweezers, lithic mortars, and part of a Spondylus shell, all materials commonly associated with funerary practices during the Late Horizon period, dating to approximately AD 1470–1532.
According to PRIAK archaeologists, the positioning of one individual in a seated posture above earlier skeletal remains suggests the tomb may have been reused at a later stage.
“Due to the position of the individual, placed in a seated position and deposited on top of other skeletal remains, we believe this funerary structure underwent a second phase of use, during which previously deposited bones were disturbed,” the team explained.
Specialists also noted that the structure likely held important symbolic and visual significance within the wider architectural landscape of Kuélap.
Authorities from the Directorate of Culture of Amazonas said further information regarding the recovered artefacts and ongoing investigations at the site will be released in the coming days.
Sources : Peruvian State
