Post by jonsdigs on Oct 3, 2006 20:34:59 GMT -5
Living In Peru 3 October, 2006 [ 13:23 ]
Ancient cemetary cave of Peru's Chachapoyas culture vandalized
For centuries the Yayacuj cave ("Enchanted water" in Quechua) remained intact because it is hidden by a surrounding leafy forest. Until a few days ago when a settler of the Jalca Grande region discovered that unscrupulous people stole several mummies and burial artifacts from this cemetery of Peru's Chachapoyas culture.
Not even the 300 meter (1000 ft.) deep descent into the cave prevented the eager desecrators to remove the skeletons and seriously damage this archaeological, remote site located three hours from Chachapoyas, the capital of Peru's Amazon region.
According to Herman Corbera Valdivia, regional director of Peru's Cultural Institute, the vandals caused irreversible damage to the circular stone construction that the ancient settlers of this culture used as houses. Similar constructions can be found at the nearby Kuélap fortress.
The external part of the area is dominated by a series of platforms, indicating that the place was inhabited by old Chachapoyas during the Late Intermediate Period, before the arrival of the Incas.
Full Story:
www.livinginperu.com/news/2528
Ancient cemetary cave of Peru's Chachapoyas culture vandalized
For centuries the Yayacuj cave ("Enchanted water" in Quechua) remained intact because it is hidden by a surrounding leafy forest. Until a few days ago when a settler of the Jalca Grande region discovered that unscrupulous people stole several mummies and burial artifacts from this cemetery of Peru's Chachapoyas culture.
Not even the 300 meter (1000 ft.) deep descent into the cave prevented the eager desecrators to remove the skeletons and seriously damage this archaeological, remote site located three hours from Chachapoyas, the capital of Peru's Amazon region.
According to Herman Corbera Valdivia, regional director of Peru's Cultural Institute, the vandals caused irreversible damage to the circular stone construction that the ancient settlers of this culture used as houses. Similar constructions can be found at the nearby Kuélap fortress.
The external part of the area is dominated by a series of platforms, indicating that the place was inhabited by old Chachapoyas during the Late Intermediate Period, before the arrival of the Incas.
Full Story:
www.livinginperu.com/news/2528