Lord of Sipan

Contact:
Martin Harbaum
Office: (511) 215-6000 - Ext: 2405
Cell: +51 998033553
Email: [email protected]
domiruthperutravel.com
peru4x4adventures.com
General information based on wikipedia files

All pictures Copyright © Martin Harbaum
Royal
tombs of the
lord of Sipan The Lord of Sipán tomb is a Moche culture site in Peru.
Some archaeologists hold it to be one of the most important
archaeological discoveries in this region of the world in the last
The Lord of Sipán (El Señor de Sipán) is the 30 years, as the main tomb was found intact and untouched
name of a mummy of an elite man found in by thieves.
Sipán by Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva in
1987. The tomb is in Sipán’s Huaca Rajada, an Sipán is located in the northern part of Peru, close to the
area in Chiclayo. coast, in the middle of the Lambayeque Valley, 35 km east
of Chiclayo, Peru. Four tombs have been found in Sipán’s Huaca Rajada. This
was a burial mound, a kind of mausoleum, built by the Moche culture. Its people
ruled the northern coast of Peru from around 1 AD to 700 AD.
Location:
The town of Sipán, in the Zaña district, is roughly around 20 miles east of the
city of Chiclayo and 45–50 miles away from Lambayeque. The site belonged to
the Moche (Mochican) culture that mainly worshipped the god called Ai Apaec
(Ayapec) as “principal” god or deity.
Clothing and ornaments:
The clothing of this warrior and ruler suggest he was approximately 1.67 m tall.
He probably died within three months of governing. His jewelry and ornaments
indicate he was of the highest rank, and include pectoral, necklaces, nose rings,
ear rings, helmets, falconry and bracelets. Most were made of gold, silver, copper
and semi-precious stones. In his tomb were found more than 400 jewels.
Clothing and ornaments:
The clothing of this warrior and ruler suggest he was approximately 1.67 m tall.
He probably died within three months of governing. His jewelry and ornaments
indicate he was of the highest rank, and include pectoral, necklaces, nose rings,
ear rings, helmets, falconry and bracelets. Most were made of gold, silver, copper
and semi-precious stones. In his tomb were found more than 400 jewels.
The Lord of Sipán was wearing a precious necklace with beads of gold and
silver in the shape of maní (peanuts) represent the tierra (earth). The peanuts
symbolized that men came from the land, and that when they die, they return
back to the earth; the Moches harvested peanuts for food. The necklace has 10
kernels to the right, which are gold, signifying masculinity and the sun god, while
the kernels on the left side are silver, to represent femininity and the moon god.
Grave:
Because of his high rank, the ruler was buried with eight people, apparently
his wife and two other women (possibly concubines), a military commander, a
watchman, a banner holder and a child. Among the animals found was a dog.
Older tombs:
Below the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, two other tombs were found: that of a
priest and of the Old Lord of Sipan. DNA analysis of the remains established
that the priest was contemporary with the Lord of Sipan. Artifacts in his tomb
are believed to be related to religion: the cup or bowl for the sacrifices, a metal
crown adorned with an owl with its wings extended, and other items for worship
of the moon.
DNA testing:
DNA analysis of remains of the Old Lord of Sipan proved that he was a direct
ancestor of the Lord of Sipan. In his tomb were found the remains of a young
woman, a likely sacrifice to accompany him to the next life. Also there were
sumptuous costumes embroidered with gold and silver.
Museum:
The Royal Tombs Museum of Sipán houses most of the important artifacts which
Dr. Walter Alva Alva found in 1987. He helped found and support construction
of the museum, which opened in 2002. The museum is located in the town of
Lambayeque, Peru. (which also happens to be in the “state” of Lambayeque) in
Peru. The museum was designed to resemble the ancient Moche tombs (with
the exception of giant golden figures on the side).
The museum’s main attraction is the Lord of Sipan and his entourage, who
accompanied him to the afterworld with him. The warriors who were buried with
him had amputated feet, as if to prevent their leaving the tomb. The women
were dressed in ceremonial clothes. Dogs, llamas, and more than 80 huacos
(works of ceramic pottery) were also buried in the tomb.
Any further information you wish to obtain such as pictures of high resolution you
can contact us. Contact person for expeditions within Peru and guided tours in 4x4
expeditions please write to us under: [email protected] / mharbaum@domiruth.
com. Information on tours are available in following web sites: domiruthperutravel.com
/ peru4x4adventures.com
Contact: Martin Harbaum

Office: (511) 215-6000 - Ext: 2405
Cell: +51 998033553
Email: [email protected]
Web: domiruthperutravel.com
peru4x4adventures.com

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