A 4,500-year-old burial in Peru reveals an exceptionally well-preserved woman of high status

Archaeologists find a well-preserved elite woman from 4,500 years ago in Peru's Áspero.

: In what is a significant archaeological discovery, the remains of a 4,500-year-old elite woman were unearthed in Áspero, a Caral civilization site in Peru. The woman's body has remained remarkably intact, with preserved skin, hair, and nails, which is rare for the region. The burial site, led by Ruth Shady Solís, contained artifacts such as reed baskets, textiles, and unique feather art dated to 3,000-2,500 BCE, suggesting her high social status. This find highlights the complexity and sophistication of the Caral civilization, contributing to our understanding of ancient American societies.

The discovery of an ancient burial site in Peru has brought to light the remains of a 4,500-year-old woman belonging to the Caral civilization, known as one of the oldest societies in the Americas. The Caral-Supe civilization, also known as the Norte Chico civilization, dates back to the period between 3,000 and 1,800 BCE. This remarkable find took place in the ancient Caral town of Áspero. The excavation was led by Ruth Shady Solís, who previously discovered Caral's oldest urban center. The discovery is hailed as exceptionally rare due to the preservation of the remains, including the skin, hair, and nails of the elite woman.

The woman's burial was notable for its preservation and the presence of intricate grave goods. Her remains were wrapped in diverse materials such as cotton, reed mats, and an exquisite embroidered panel with macaw feathers, marking one of the earliest instances of feather art in the Andes. This effort to ensure the individual was interred underscores her high status within the Caral society. Evidence suggests the woman lived between the ages of 20 to 35, which provides critical insights into the demographics of the ancient society.

The excavation revealed a variety of artifacts accompanying the burial, including reed baskets, a finely designed needle, an Amazonian snail shell, a toucan's beak enhanced with colorful beads, gourds, and sweet potatoes. These items point towards a complex society with advanced craftsmanship and extensive trade networks. The site, Áspero, located in Peru's Lima region, is thought to have been occupied between 3,000 and 2,500 BCE.

Research into the Caral civilization indicates their expertise in marine resource utilization and indicates their engagement in regional and long-distance trade, despite some indication that they might have been more isolated than other contemporary civilizations like the Sumerians and Harappans. The burial site adds to this understanding by offering clues about their cultural practices and social hierarchy. Previous excavations in 2016 and 2019 nearby also revealed similar elite burials, further confirming the advanced societal structure of Caral.

This find provides archaeologists with opportunities to analyze the health, diet, and cultural affiliations of the Caral people. The discovery is a testament to the enduring legacy of Peru's ancient civilizations, underscoring the Caral civilization's contributions to early American history. Future research is expected to delve deeper into these ancient artifacts to uncover more about the day-to-day life and the cultural significance of the Caral civilization.

Sources: Gizmodo, Peruvian Ministry of Culture