Mummy rescue

One effect of the Peruvian earthquake of 2001 was to expose many mummies in their tombs in the Osmore river valley near Ilo. Their shallow graves have stone or reed roofs, which fell in, and this made them much easier to spot from the surface – easy pickings for the huaquerros, or grave robbers, who are trying to make a living by stealing antiquities.

Most of the mummies in the Osmore river valley are of the Chiribaya culture. The arid and alkaline sands rapidly dry out the dead, leaving well-preserved mummies. Typically, these mummies are wrapped in many textile layers. One mummy, however, got special treatment.

His skin was treated, perhaps with herbs, he was eviscerated, and a ceramic pot was placed within his chest. The ceramic pot held coca leaves. The textiles in which he was wrapped were carbon dated to 600 years ago (1400s).

Regarding his social status, Dr Sonia Guillen – who oversees the Chiribaya project – suggests that the style of mummification and his special treatment means that this was a high-status burial, maybe a wise elder or shaman.

Is grave robbing and the sale of ancient artefacts on the black market a problem? Yes, and it will continue as long as there is a market. The huaquerros aren't after the bodies, but rather the textiles and any metal or feathered artefacts they may find. Some of these areas are so remote that it is very difficult to protect their treasures. Without a police force able to guard ancient burials, it is a race against time to rescue these mummies.

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The first mummy exhumed from the crypts

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