Archaeology

Unique Wooden Figures Found at the Ancient Site of Chan Chan

Nineteen wooden statues, measuring 70 cm tall and decorated with clay masks, have been uncovered at the pre-Inca Chan Chan complex of Utzh An or Gran Chimu. Source: Andina/Luis Puell

Nineteen wooden statuettes have been uncovered in one of the 10 walled complexes that form part of Chan Chan, the pre-Inca site on the north coast at Trujillo.

The unique figures, which stand 70cm tall, are around 800 years old and the oldest wooden objects ever to be found in the huge mud city.   The discovery was made public by the minister of Culture, Patricia Balbuena.

The figures, with clay-coated faces and a circle on their backs like a shield, are set in niches at the entrance to Utzh An, or Gran Chimu, one of the largest complexes at the site, where a corridor of friezes with wave and checkerboard designs leads to a ceremonial courtyard.

One side of a restored wall shows figures of waves and a checkerboard-style design, flanked by animal figures. Source: Andina/Luis Puell

At a press tour of the site, Balbuena said the government has assigned approximately S/ 8 million ($2.4 mn) to cover the 30-month restoration project at Utzh An, which should be completed in May 2020.  The project covers an area of 1,500 m2 (1,790 square yards).

Chan Chan, listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986, is the one of the few archaeological sites being investigated solely by a team of  Peruvian archaeologists and funded entirely by the Peruvian government.

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*