Lord of Sipan's replica in Huaca Rajada |
Jewel detail |
Jewel detail |
Jewel detail |
Jewel detail |
Jewel detail |
El Señor de Sipán
(The Lord of Sipan)
He was a very important Mochican warrior priest, which remains were founded in Huaca Rajada by Dr. Walter Alva in 1987.
In his tomb were discovered a great quantity of gold and silver objects, jewels, ceramics and carved wood of incredible value. This investigation had given archaeologists the chance to know many more aspects of the Mochican Culture.
In the main tomb was found a guard, skeleton of a young man with a golden shield and sectioned feet.
"El Señor de Sipán" (The Lord of Sipan), was founded in a sarcophagus made of wood (this is the first event founded in America), next to his head were the skeleton of two young women, and at his sides a skeleton of a dog and two lamas.
He was all covered with gold, silver and copper, chest protector with jewels and gold necklaces. His skull rested on a big golden plate.
Very close to this tomb, in 1989, some investigators of the Brüning Museum discovered the tombs of "El Sacerdote" (The Priest), and the tomb of "El Viejo Señor de Sipán" (The Old Lord of Sipan).
The tomb of the "Viejo Señor de Sipán" (Old Lord of Sipan) is chronologically older, and with difference among the others, was found a sarcophagus without company and wrapped in vegetal fiber. It had signs of royal importance, dressed with gold scepter, fine gold and silver jewels, chest protectors made with pearl shells, peculiar and unique pictures.
All the original pieces were restored in Germany at the Mainz Museum (1988-1993). Besides, all the replicas from the originals are used as demonstration in Huaca Rajada.
This fabulous and extraordinary collection had been exhibited in the principal museums of the world and in the capital of Peru, Lima. The investigators that found these tombs are in continuous discoveries.
According to information published in "El Comercio" (newspaper from Lima), on July 15th., 1998, Dr. Walter Alva received the "Coxal Protector" of "Señor de Sipán" from Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and also from the District Attorney of Philadelphia (U.S.A.). This piece of gold was stolen by tomb profaners and illegally taken to the United States. It was seized to an international group of archaeological pieces traffickers. Its value at the international market surpassed 1.5 million dollars.
This "Coxal Protector" was exhibited at the "Archaeology and Anthropology Museum" of Philadelphia University, as sign of gratitude of Peru, and then transferred to Brüning Museum to be integrated to the collection of "Señor de Sipán".
After spending years on exhibit in the Americas, Europe and Asia, the treasures of the Lord of Sipán are now on display at the Museum "Tumbas Reales de Sipán" in the town of Lambayeque. This will ensure the ancient noble will continue to unravel his mysteries for future generations.
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