Paleologists reveal throne of powerful woman at ancient site in Peru

Archaeologists in Peru have made a groundbreaking discovery at the ancient site of Pañamarca, unearthing a monumental chamber adorned with intricate murals of serpents and a pillared hall featuring a weathered throne, suggesting that a powerful woman ruled at the site over 1,300 years ago.

This location, known as Pañamarca, served as a religious and political hub for the ancient Moche culture, which thrived in northern Peru long before the rise of the Inca civilization, known for constructing impressive structures and developing irrigation systems, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Recent discoveries, reported by a research team late last month, shed light on Moche ceremonies and mythology, challenging the long-held belief that the culture was dominated by male warriors and leaders. Gabriela Cervantes Quequezana, an archaeologist not involved in the excavation, emphasized the significance of this discovery, noting that while representations of women have been found in tombs, none have matched the depth and complexity seen at Pañamarca.

The throne room features murals showing a woman seated on a throne, receiving visitors, along with symbols like a crown, the crescent moon, sea creatures, and a weaving workshop. The throne, dating to around A.D. 650, exhibits wear on the backrest, indicating it was used frequently, and researchers found colourful stones and human hair within it. Lisa Trever, a professor of art history and archaeology at Columbia University and part of the research team, remarked on the rarity of seeing a crowned woman depicted in such a setting. 

She suggested that it’s likely this throne belonged to a queen. Additionally, recent excavations at other Moche sites have uncovered evidence of powerful women, such as the tomb of the Lady of Cao, a tattooed woman surrounded by weapons, and the graves of women identified as priestesses at the San José de Moro site. Dr. Cervantes, from the National University of San Marcos in Lima, noted, “Until now, we've primarily viewed the Moche world through a masculine lens.

However, this discovery at Pañamarca introduces a female figure. While she’s referred to as a priestess, we can also regard her as a woman of considerable political power.” The archaeologists at Pañamarca plan to analyze the hair found at the site to gather more information about its owner, though they are uncertain if there’s enough material for comprehensive DNA testing. Since the Moche lacked a writing system and many archaeological sites have been looted over time, surviving artwork is crucial for understanding their society.

One of the notable structures uncovered is the Hall of the Braided Serpents, characterized by its expansive murals and wide pillars, overlooking a plaza. The murals depict large serpents with human legs, warriors, and a mythical creature, and are distinctive for their size and artistic style, according to Michele Koons, a researcher at Pañamarca and director of anthropology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. 

“These life-size serpents and the depiction of a Moche monster chasing a figure in this room present a scale unlike anything else found,” she explained. The murals would have been visible from below during ceremonies, offering a striking contrast to the more intimate setting of the throne room. The artwork in both spaces could provide archaeologists with valuable insights into Moche beliefs and rituals. 

Gabriel Prieto, a professor of anthropology at the University of Florida who was not part of the research, commented, “These murals are revealing new aspects of Moche ceremonies in large temples, highlighting the roles of women beyond just the queen. For many years, we thought that the major ceremonies held in these vast areas were mostly about human sacrifice, but these discoveries show a wider range of depicted events.” Dr. Prieto remarked that Moche sites vary significantly, showcasing cultural shifts across different regions and periods: “Pañamarca is comparable to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, but if you travel to the Holy Land, you won’t encounter that style of art.”

He expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing research at Pañamarca, which includes a pyramid. “The primary pyramid has yet to be explored by Trever’s team,” he noted. “I can’t help but wonder what incredible discoveries await in the near future.”

By Naila Huseynova