Scientists discover unspoiled tomb from the Lambayeque culture

(16 Jul 2011)
1. Close of human skull and bones discovered in tomb
2. Close of skull (from side angle)
3. Wide top shot of archaeologists at work in tomb
4. Top shot of two archaeologists at work
5. Close of pile of small pots
6. Close of jug and other pieces of ceramic and pottery
7. Archaeologists kneeling next to pile of earthenware in tomb
8. Wide of archaeological site
9. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Fausto Saldana, Archaeologist on the Huaca Chotuna project:
"By examining the clothing he had, we estimate that he was somebody who made sacrifices (a sort of priest). He has with him, as offerings, three copper knives, some metal objects, a skirt made of circular copper sheets. Also, in his surroundings, there were various elements of pottery."
10. Wide of various pieces of ceramic and pottery
11. Archaeologists crouching beside remains of human skeleton
12. Close of archaeologist measuring items in soil
13. Top shot of archaeological site
14. Close of objects discovered in tomb
15. Top shot of archaeologist measuring item
STORYLINE:
Peruvian archaeologists working in the north of the country say they've found an unspoiled tomb from the Lambayeque culture.
Initial studies indicate that the tomb belonged to a priest-like individual who performed human sacrifices during fertility ceremonies.
"He has with him, as offerings, three copper knives, some metal objects, a skirt made of circular copper sheets," says Fausto Saldana, an archaeologist working at the Huaca Chotuna site.
Archaeologists who have been working at Huaca Chotuna for three years say it's the first time they've discovered such a figure - and in such a well-preserved state.
Saldana and his colleagues also discovered a number of pieces of ceramic and pottery, including pots and jars, and the remains of three other individuals.
They said the tomb dates back to 1350-1400.
The Lambayeque culture - also known as the Sican culture - predated the Inca and inhabited what is now the north coast of Peru between about 750 and 1400.

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