- Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimú civilization and is one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in South America.
- A funerary platform with central and side chambers was discovered at the Gran Chimú Palace within the Utzh An walled complex.
- Excavation by the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex Special Project revealed 38 burials, including one with an unusual extended position.
- Peru's Ministry of Culture announced the discovery on Tuesday, highlighting exceptional preservation due to lack of looting.
- The funerary platform consists of a central chamber and two side chambers.
- The central chamber measures 1.2 meters wide and 5 meters deep, while the two side chambers measure 1.5 meters wide by 8 meters long and 3.5 meters deep.
- The central chamber contained the remains of an individual accompanied by numerous artifacts made of shell and metal.
- One side chamber contained weapons and metal objects, while the other has so far yielded 20 buried individuals.
- The platform also contained 18 additional burials, bringing the total number of individuals discovered to 38.
- One of the burials stood out because of its unusual funerary treatment, with the individual found lying fully extended.
Archaeologists have made a significant discovery at Chan Chan, Peru, unearthing a 600-year-old funerary platform that holds the remains of 38 high-status Chimú individuals. The site, located at the Gran Chimú Palace, features a central chamber and two side chambers, all remarkably well-preserved due to a lack of historical looting.12567
The central chamber measures approximately 1.2 meters wide and 5 meters deep, containing the remains of one individual along with artifacts made of shell, copper, and gold. Archaeologist Jorge Meneses noted that an eight-foot-long staircase leads to this chamber, which is about four feet wide and 16 feet long.
The two side chambers, each measuring 1.5 meters wide by 8 meters long and 3.5 meters deep, revealed different contents. One chamber contained weapons and metal objects, while the other held the remains of 20 individuals. In total, 18 additional burials were found on the platform, bringing the total to 38.89
Meneses highlighted a unique burial arrangement for one individual, who was found lying fully extended, contrasting with the typical flexed positions associated with Chimú burials. The Ministry of Culture emphasized the wealth indicated by the excavated artifacts and their stylistic links to the Inca civilization, showcasing the cultural significance of this ancient site.4
The excavation was conducted by the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex Special Project, which focuses on research and conservation efforts at this historic location.3
“The funerary platform features a central chamber and two side chambers, with one side chamber containing weapons and metal emblems but no skeletal remains. One burial stood out for its extended position, differing from typical flexed Chimú burials, and artifacts show Inca stylistic influence.”
