This is an artists conception of the Lambayeque area near Chiclayo called Sipan, showing the royal Moche temple where burial site of the Lord of Sipan was found in 1987. It dates from about 1000 to 1300AD and predates the arrival of the Incas in that area by about 200 years. Today the pyramids look like eroded mounds because they were literally made with sand stones (adobe). Every El Nino year the ruins disintegrate more and more from the heavy rains. We were thrilled to see them in such a state and realize that some day they will disappear completely - the hand of nature is eternally stronger than the frailty of human hands.
Our trip around the area was booked through Moche Tours and was informative and fun under the direction of tour guide, Juan – originally from Lima. He now lives in Chiclayo and proudly guides people around his favourite ruins and helps them understand the history and culture of the Moche.
The tomb of the Lord of Sipan. Some archaeologists hold it to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries in this region of the world in the last 30 years, as the main tomb was found intact and untouched by thieves. The clothing of the warrior and ruler suggest he was approximately 1.67 m tall. He probably died within three months of governing. His jewellery and ornaments indicate he was of the highest rank, and include pectoral, necklaces, nose rings, ear rings, helmets, falconry and bracelets. Most were made of gold, silver, copper, gold and semi-precious stones. In his tomb were found more than 400 jewels.
The Lord of Sipan was wearing a precious necklace with beads of gold and silver in the shape of peanuts represent the earth. The peanuts symbolized that men came from the land, and that when they die, they return back to the earth; the Moches harvested peanuts for food. The necklace has 10 kernels to the right, which are gold, signifying masculinity and the sun god, while the kernels on the left side are silver, to represent femininity and the moon god.
Below the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, two other tombs were found: that of a priest and of the Old Lord of Sipan. DNA analysis of the remains established that the priest was contemporary with the Lord of Sipan. Artefacts in his tomb are believed to be related to religion: the cup or bowl for the sacrifices, a metal crown adorned with an owl with its wings extended, and other items for worship of the moon.
The burial site was reconstructed inside the Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan. It's main attraction is the Lord of Sipan and his entourage, who accompanied him to the afterword. The warriors who were buried with him had amputated feet, as if to prevent their leaving the tomb. Two accompanying women were dressed in ceremonial clothes. Dogs, llamas, and more than 80 works of ceramic pottery were also buried in the tomb.
For more information about the Lord of Sipan, take a look at this:
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