Bone Remains of 11 Deceased Elite Uncovered at Chan Chan

A team of researchers has uncovered the bone remains of 11 individuals at the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex, dated to 800 years old. These have been located specifically at the foot of the perimeter wall in the northern sector of the walled Utzh An complex, also known as the former Gran Chimú Palace. Alongside the remains, the team found ear muffs, Spondylus beads, and shells, which are often associated with high-ranking individuals from the Chimu period (900-1470 AD).

High Ranking Elite of the Chimu Period

Sinthya Cueva, the Director of the Restoration project for the perimeter walls of the Utzh An complex, detailed the findings. In addition to the skeletal remains, researchers discovered three pairs of earmuffs, two bead necklaces, and Spondylus (thorny oyster) shells. These items suggest the individuals held significant administrative positions.

“These were probably members of the Chimu’s governing class,” she said quoted by Andina, pointing to the adornments found with them.

“Certain premises can be assumed, such as the possibility that these individuals were of a certain rank, as they are adorned with earmuffs, bead necklaces, and Spondylus shells. However, the skeletal remains are disjointed, meaning they have been disturbed. It will be necessary to determine the cause of this disturbance,” she said.

Arial view of the site where remains of what is believed to be wealthy members of the Chimu civilization, a pre-Inca society in Trujillo, Peru. (Peru’s Ministry of Culture)

Although this area was not originally intended to serve as a cemetery, Cueva mentioned the possibility that it was repurposed for burials after the site was abandoned. However, she noted that the final conclusions will be drawn after the ongoing investigations and analyses are completed by her team.

Cueva also did not dismiss the potential for discovering additional Chimú artifacts during the eight-month excavation, citing previous discoveries from investigations conducted in 2017 and 2022.

The Chimu Civilization: New Heights

The Chimú civilization thrived along the coastal plains of northern Peru from approximately 800 AD until the late 1400s. They are renowned for their exquisite artistry, which includes ceramics, metalwork, and textiles. The Chimú were also innovative agriculturalists, employing highly productive terrace farming techniques, and they developed extensive long-distance trade networks along the Pacific coast, reports Reuters.

One of 11 skeletons fund in Trujillo, Peru. (Peru’s Ministry of Culture)

Emerging as a prominent culture in the Moche Valley, the Chimú expanded their influence over a vast region. Their capital, Chan Chan, is considered one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America and showcases their architectural prowess with its adobe-walled compounds and intricate city planning. The Chimú’s economy was diverse, involving fishing, farming, and craft production, which supported a complex society with a hierarchical structure.

In the late 1400s, the Chimú were conquered by the expanding Inca Empire, just a few decades before the Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, overthrew the Inca in 1532. The integration of Chimú artisans into the Inca Empire significantly influenced Inca culture, particularly in metallurgy and ceramics.

A metal and textile object found at the site. (Peru’s Ministry of Culture)

The Restoration Project of the Chimu

The “Restoration Project of the Perimeter Walls of the Walled Ensemble Utzh An, former Grand Chimú Palace of the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex” commenced on April 1 and is scheduled to conclude on November 26 of this year.

Covering 22.09 hectares, the walled Utzh An complex is the largest structure within the Chan Chan archaeological site, and the project focuses on archaeological research and the conservation of 620 meters of the perimeter wall.

It includes 22 archaeological excavations aimed at revealing the form, function, construction techniques, and associated architecture of the complex. The recovery of movable cultural materials from the site is expected to enhance historical research and knowledge of the region’s ancestors.

Additionally, the project’s cultural awareness and dissemination component has begun, including an awareness workshop for local residents with plots near the excavation areas. The workshop aims to educate the community about the importance of cultural heritage and the measures needed for its conservation.

Top image: One of the 11 elite individuals from the Chimú period uncovered at Chan Chan, Trujillo, Peru.       Source: Peruvian Ministry of Culture

By Sahir Pandey