The funerary objects of Huaca 20

The archaeological site of Huaca 20 is an important settlement of the Lima culture that stands out for its enormous number of funerary contexts and offerings.

By Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

The archaeological site of Huaca 20 is located inside the campus of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

Botella de felino (200 - 800 d.C.) by Cultura LimaPontifical Catholic University of Peru

Huaca 20: a village of the Lima culture

Huaca 20 was a settlement located on the left bank of the Rimac river, in the city of Lima, Peru. This site belonged to the Lima culture, which developed between 200 and 800 AD.

Olla Escultórica (200 - 800 d.C.) by Cultura LimaPontifical Catholic University of Peru

Huaca 20: a village of the Lima culture

In this place, large quantities of grave goods linked to various burials were found, which were discovered during archaeological excavations carried out by the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú since 1990.

During the last years, the work carried out allowed us to determine that the site housed a fishing village within the Maranga Complex. This has allowed us to learn a little more about religious beliefs, domestic life, eating practices, funeral rituals, and specialized activities of the ancient inhabitants of Lima society.

Figurina zoomorfa en miniatura, Cultura Lima, 200 - 800 d.C., From the collection of: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

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Botella escultórica con dos rostros (200 - 800 d.C.) by Cultura LimaPontifical Catholic University of Peru

Death at Huaca 20

Huaca 20 is considered one of the largest cemeteries of the Lima culture. More than eight hundred burials have been found there with countless associated objects.

Figurina pintada en miniatura (200 - 800 d.C.) by Cultura LimaPontifical Catholic University of Peru

Death at Huaca 20

Most of the human remains recovered in the archaeological excavations were associated with ceramic pieces and have been found in a flexed and extended position.

Although it is true, although most of the offerings were ceramic objects, body ornaments, pottery tools, grinding artifacts and fishing utensils were also found.

Botella escultórica, Cultura Lima, 200 - 800 d.C., From the collection of: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

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Botella de ave (200 - 800 d.C.) by Cultura LimaPontifical Catholic University of Peru

The offerings of Huaca 20

One aspect that stands out among its grave goods are the sculptural pieces in the nievería style, which generally represent zoomorphic and lagenary bodies. In addition, miniature figurines and ceramic pieces have been found.

All these objects transcended their domestic uses due to their symbolic value, being fundamental as offerings to the dead of the prehispanic world.

Cuenco en forma de calabaza, Cultura Lima, 200 - 800 d.C., From the collection of: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

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Botella escultórica con forma de lenteja, Cultura Lima, 200 - 800 d.C., From the collection of: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

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Figurina sentada en miniatura, Cultura Lima, 200 - 800 d.C., From the collection of: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

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Botella decorada, Cultura Lima, 200 - 800 d.C., From the collection of: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

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Olla decorada con líneas, Cultura Lima, 200 - 800 d.C., From the collection of: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

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Credits: Story

Content: Dirección de Asuntos Culturales

Texts: Aldair Manay Meza

Photographs: Miguel Cayo Urrutia

References:
Mauricio, A. C., Muro, L., & Olivera, C. (Eds.). (2015). Huaca 20: Un sitio Lima en el antiguo Complejo Maranga. Lima: IFEA.

Dirección de Asuntos Culturales. (2018). Los tesoros culturales de la PUCP: Colección Huaca 20. Lima: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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