5000-year-old Peruvian Caral civilization grave reveals high status of women
At a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru, archaeologists unearthed an astonishingly well-preserved grave of a noblewoman with hair, skin, nails, and signs of wealth, class, and trade networks.
Research began at the archaeological site of Áspero over 20 years ago at a former municipal dump. Located less than half a mile from the Pacific Ocean and spanning 46.45 acres, archaeologists identified 22 architectural complexes associated with America’s oldest civilization.
The Caral civilization thrived between 3000 and 1800 BCE in the modern-day district of Supe Puerto in the Barranca province in Lima. The Ministry of Peru recently announced the latest discovery from the ancient fishing town of unparalleled significance.
Archaeologists discovered the burial of the woman aged between 20 and 35, laid to rest in a fetal position. Wrapped in various materials, the Ministry of Peru called the preservation of her skin, hair, and nails “exceptional,” a rare feature in the area. Experts noted that it spoke volumes about the advanced culture from which she came. They placed women at the top of the ranks.
Women were on top in America’s oldest civilization
A headdress made of fibers and bundles of twisted threads was placed on the body. The noblewoman was then wrapped in multiple layers of materials: cotton fabrics, rush mats, and a panel of macaw feathers, delicately arranged in a net, on bundles of plant fibers, according to a press release. The embroidered feather panel is one of the oldest examples of feather art in the Andes.
The Caral civilization developed at the same time as the early societies of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. However, they remained isolated, revealing a unique culture with a rich legacy to share.
As the Ministry of Peru described her grave as a trousseau, or bundle, her culture had packed the essentials for her journey into the afterlife.
In the lower space, they placed four reed baskets, a needle with incised designs, an Amazonian snail shell, a toucan’s beak inlaid with green and brown beads, a wool textile, a fishing net, and about thirty sweet potatoes, and even weaving tools. In the upper space, they included three bottle-shaped mates and another basket on the totora mat, per the press release.
Advanced civilization isn’t synonymous with warfare
The position of the body even implies rebirth, so the Peruvian burial reveals the beliefs of Andean society and the respect shown towards women, in particular, as leaders.
Now, an interdisciplinary team is studying what they can learn about her health, death, diet, and the origin and use of the objects.
Interestingly, the Caral civilization of Peru left behind no evidence of warfare “despite its advanced urban planning and impressive architecture,” according to The Greek Reporter.
They thrived based on short and long-distance exchange. Artifacts from the jungle and mountains revealed networks of intercultural interaction under peaceful conditions and shared benefits, the press release explains.
To celebrate the 20 years of research at Áspero, the Caral Archaeological Zone has organized an event on Friday, May 2 and 3, to promote the findings and transmit the cultural heritage to locals and foreigners alike.
A team of archaeologists made the discovery at the Áspero archaeological site of the Executing Unit 003 Caral Archaeological Zone (ZAC), of the Ministry of Culture, directed by Dr. Ruth Shady Solís, the press release concludes.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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5000-year-old Peruvian Caral civilization grave reveals high status of women