Archaeologists in Peru have announced the discovery of a 5,000-year-old noblewoman's remains at the sacred city of Caral. This finding highlights the significant role women played in what is considered the oldest center of civilization in the Americas.
The remains were found in Aspero, a sacred site within Caral. According to archaeologist David Palomino, the woman's burial indicates her elevated status within Caral society. The well-preserved remains, dating back to approximately 3,000 BC, included skin, hair, and nails, and were wrapped in layers of fabric and a macaw feather mantle.
The woman's funerary items included a toucan's beak, a stone bowl, and a straw basket. Preliminary analysis suggests she was between 20 and 35 years old and wore a headdress signifying her high social standing. Palomino stated that this discovery challenges the traditional view of male dominance, emphasizing the important role women held in Caral society.
Caral flourished between 3000 and 1800 BC, contemporary to ancient cultures in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. The city, located in the Supe Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.