Funerary tower with remains from an ancient mountain civilization found in Peru
High up in the mountains of Peru’s Amazonas region, in the 1,000-year-old city of Kuélap, archaeologists have unearthed a unique tower tomb with a set of bones buried inside.
The discovery was made at the Kuélap llaqta — an ancient archaeological site officials call the most important monument in northeastern Peru, according to a May 16 news release from Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
Officials said the structure was a chulpa-style funerary tower. Inside were bones confirmed to belong to the ancient inhabitants of Kuélap, according to the release.
The team also discovered various ceremonial objects and offerings, including a stone ax and a pendant engraved with geometric motifs, officials said.
Archaeologists also uncovered six circular structures in a courtyard that were intentionally sealed. Inside were human skeletal remains which officials believe were deposited for ritual purposes before the site was abandoned, according to the release.
Experts said the findings expand their knowledge of funerary and domestic practices in the northern region of Kuélap, and may offer clues about the relationships between the individuals at the site, according to the release.
Kuélap, at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, was the capital city of the pre-Hispanic Chachapoya civilization, according to experts.
Google Translate was used to translate the new release from Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM with the headline "Funerary tower with remains from an ancient mountain civilization found in Peru."
