Archaeological research conducted in three sites occupied by the Mochicas

Various research projects will be completed in Lambayeque, northern Peru with the aim of documenting and recovering possible funerary contexts of the Mochicas settled on Mata Indio, El Triunfo, and La Inmaculada.

The works will get started next month and will be carried out by the archaeologist Walter Alva and the research team of the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum.

Announcement was made by Walter Alva, the museum’s director, after identifying the said sites along with a technical team of the Executive Unit 005 Naylamp-Lambayeque.

The georeferencing procedure has already begun to guide excavation units and establish the polygons of the archeological sites.

Alva explained these new works will help draw spatial similarities between Mata Indio, El Triunfo and La Immaculada.

The Mochica occupation is what these archaeological places have in common and, without a doubt, this is really important to define the relations with Sipan and Pampa Grande.

Read more information about this place at the follow link: http://www.inkanatura.com/en/moche-culture/moche-route-tour 
Source: Andina

Peru: Tomb believed to be older than "Señor de Sipan" found in northern Peru

Art/Culture/History 3 July, 2007 [ 10:45 ]

(LIP-ir) -- A team of archaeologists, led by Walter Alva, have discovered the wooden tomb of another member of the Mochica culture's elite - older than the "Señor de Sipan" (Lord of Sipan).

These findings belong to the Moche civilization, which ruled the northern coast of Peru from the time of Christ to 800 AD, centuries prior to the Incas.

Alva has stated that he and his team are investigating and within the next few days will know the role of this noble in the Mochica society.

"We have found the tomb of a person that belonged to Mochica nobility. Inside the coffin, discoveries of copper and copper-plated decorations - covered in rust, demonstrate that this person was not a Lord but was among the Mochica elite," Alva explained.The archaeologist, who discovered the "Señor de Sipan" (Lord of Sipan) in 1987, has said that this discovery will provide valuable information about the Mochica culture.

The mummy is estimated to be 1,800 years old, whereas it is estimated that the "Señor de Sipan" was buried 1,700 years ago."The tomb is of a person that appears on Mochica artwork, which shows he participated in important rituals. His headdress, which is V-shaped, identifies him as such," explained Alva.

The archaeologist explained the value of this discovery, "This is the tomb of a person we hadn't found, now we have the Mochica elite complete."40 workers and 6 archaeologists are taking part in this work funded by the Ítalo Peruvian Fund and the government. This years budget is 600 thousand soles.