- Address: Antonio Monsalve Baca, Lambayeque, Peru
- Website: museotumbasreales.com
- Phone: +51 74 283977
- Year of foundation: 1987.
- Discoverer: archaeologist Walter Alva Alva
- Opening hours of the museum: 9.00 - 17.00
The extraordinary natural diversity and unique finds of antiquity abound in Peru . And if you go into the heart of the matter, then this fact becomes not so surprising. After all, the civilization of the ancient peoples of Peru, if not reached the cultural level of the Maya Indians, then approached it as close as possible. One of the well-known wonders of the world, the ancient city of Machu Picchu , the heritage of the Inca Empire, is located right here. But very few people know that this civilization was born and developed in a dialogue with the cultures of the peoples of Moche and Chimu. Across the country archeologists find amazing architectural structures, which sometimes amaze with engineering solutions, and also amaze with their beauty and mystery. And one of such memoirs of the ancient civilization is the tomb, known as the Ruler of Sipan.
Shrine of Sipan
In the north of the coastal part of Peru, near the city of Chiclayo, is the archaeological complex of Uaka Rahad. It was here in 1987 that the Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva Alva opened the world to a unique find - the tomb of Sipan. Speaking about this discovery, it is worth mentioning two points. It carried a huge cultural and historical value, because it is the first tomb, untouched by plunderers and presented to archaeologists in its natural form. In addition, the burial vault is a complex of burials, in the center of which is the grave of a high-ranking person of the III century of culture Moche, known as the Ruler of Sipan.
What is characteristic, the body was mummified, and the clothes alternated with ornaments and precious metals. Then the nobleman was wrapped in a few luxurious curtains and placed in a wooden coffin, where also put gold, silver and jewelry. Among them there are decorations and ornaments, placed to high-ranking persons. In all there are about 400 pieces.
| | |
The governor of Sipan is buried, surrounded by 8 faithful servants. In the afterlife, he was accompanied by two concubines, guards, servants, a wife and even a dog. Which is characteristic, some of them had their legs chopped, presumably so that they could not escape from the tomb. Also, the remains of a child aged 9-10 years were found.
Next to the tomb of Ruler Sipan, two more interesting from the point of view of archaeological burial were found - the Priest and the Old Ruler of Sipan. The ceremonial objects found in the first graves make it possible to judge that the servant of the gods had one of the highest statuses in the religion of Moche culture. The Old Ruler of Sipan was buried with his wife. Both of them were dressed in luxurious clothes embroidered with silver and gold.
The tomb itself has a shape similar to the pyramid, and was erected during the "late archaic" period. Surprising is the way and material of construction - the temple was built without the use of bricks, from a mixture of clay, manure and straw. Discovered wall paintings made it possible to declare with confidence that we have the oldest monument of fine art on the continent, since their age is about 4 thousand years. Surprisingly, as many years as the first buildings in Giza and the Mayan pyramids in Mexico.
The royal tombs of Sipan
Since the ruler of Sipan and his burial system is of great value to the culture and history of not only the country but also the world, it was decided to create a separate museum that will be able to demonstrate all the wealth of a unique find. The royal tombs of Sipan, and this name was given to the institution, outwardly resemble the ancient pyramids of Moche culture. This museum is considered the largest exhibition pavilion of Latin America. Visitors are strongly encouraged to begin their sightseeing tour from the top floor, as if making the path of an archaeologist in search of priceless finds. And it is on the first floor that the main exhibit is kept - the mummy of the Ruler Sipan himself and his restored tomb, with the remains of servants and riches. There is a museum in the city of Lambayeque.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Chiclayo by plane. From Lima the road will take you about an hour, with Trujillo - no more than 15 minutes. You can also get by public transport - bus. From the capital to Chiclayo about 12 hours, from Trujillo - 3 hours.
| | |
| | |
