11/07/2014

Inca Mummy — The Ice Maiden, South America

In 1999, a joint Argentine-Peruvian expedition to climb Mount Llullaillaco, located on the border of Chile and Argentina, made a startling discovery. At an altitude of over 6000 meters, researchers discovered the tomb, where lie the bodies of three children: a boy and two girls. It seemed that the children were asleep, sitting uncomfortable and cold inside the cave.

An Inca mummy known as the Ice Maiden consumed increasing amounts of cocaine and alcohol in her last year of life, a new study shows.
An Inca mummy known as the Ice Maiden consumed increasing amounts of cocaine and alcohol in her last year of life, a new study shows.

Inca Mummy — The Ice Maiden

Subsequent analysis showed that the cave was used by the Inca civilization representatives, and age found the bodies of more than 500 years. The publication in the journal PNAS large group of professionals from Europe and America are the first results of the examination of the remains.

Inca Mummy — The Ice Maiden

Death of boy and girls 4-5 years old, and another girl of 13 years came, apparently, not as a result of acts of violence, and hypothermia. Experts are of the view that children are the victim of a special ritual of memory, of which the Spanish chroniclers wrote.

According to Dr. Brown, Emma (Emma Brown) from the University of Bradford (University of Bradford), the practice of bringing children in sacrifice was widespread among the Incas and used in different cases, such as for the perpetuation of important events in the life of the people, in the case of military victories or disasters . In addition, there was even a special calendar of rituals.

Inca Mummy — The Ice Maiden

In this context, of particular interest is the body of the older girl, who, most likely, is the central figure in the ritual. Chemical analysis of her hair from root to tip allowed to make some impression on changes in her diet and lifestyle over the last two years of life.

Thus, it appears that a year before the death of "Ice maiden," as it was christened professionals become much better food. If initially prevailed in her diet potatoes, then later became the main meal of meat and corn.

Inca Mummy — The Ice Maiden

In addition, the girl made use of large amounts of alcohol and coca leaves. Peak consumption of coca held for half a year before his death, and in the last 6 weeks dramatically increased the amount of alcohol. It is noteworthy that other children do not show traces of use coca or alcoholic beverages.

The findings, say the scientists, shed light on the rituals of the Incas, and provide a more complete picture of their society. The current study is not finished bodies. Next, the researchers intend to find out how to change the level of cortisol, a stress hormone that may allow us to understand the state of the children before his death.

Inca Mummy girl found in South America

Inca Mummy girl found in Chile, Argentina

Inca Mummy — The Ice Maiden

Inca Mummy — The Ice Maiden, South America
Inca girl Mummy — The Ice Maiden, South America

No comments:

Post a Comment