Huaca El Brujo (Sacred place of the Witch) is where the former priestess was discovered mummified in 2005. She was buried with her prized weapons and gold articles. The ancient archaeological site allowed for people to understand the Moche society.

The Lady of Cao

The Lady of Cao screenshot from The Archaeology Channel

The Lady of Cao

The Lady of Cao screenshot from The Archaeology Channel

Moche society

The Moche conquered the Chicama Valley from about 100 to 700 AD. Not only that but it was patriarchal. Huaca del Sol and the Huaca de la Luna are the two pyramids that were used for social and religious activities. Of course, the bodies were also left to rest in these holy pyramids.

Huaca del Sol

Huaca del Sol CC Martin St-Amant via Wikimedia Commons

It’s been said that Lady of Cao’s tattoos represented an elite like quality since the tattoos are linked to the spiritual symbolism that is found throughout the Moche society. What makes this find so unique is that, what was once considered a male ruled society, has now been debunked. They found a total of eight queens, while priest-kings were also found. It seems that the society had a stable structure when it came to sexes.

One of the most famous tombs to have ever been located on the northern coastline of Peru was El Señor de Sipán (the Lord of Sipan). The discovery in 1987 led many to believe the society was male driven. Thirsty for blood, the Moche society celebrated nature by not only drinking blood but engaging in sexual acts and embracing death. The walls in their temple reveal such beliefs.

El Señor de Sipán

El Señor de Sipán tomb via Wikimedia Commons

The Moche society flourished way before the Inca empire ruled the Andes. They built canals to grow crops, created intricate goldwork and ceramics.

3D Imaging

Lady of Cao’s face has recently been revealed by Peru’s culture officials and archaeologists. Thanks to 3D imaging technology and forensics archaeology, they were able to create a lifesize model in ten months. The striking replica is based on her skull structure plus ethnographic research.

Lady of Cao

Lady of Cao Screenshot via euronews

Lady of Cao will be making her debut in Peru’s Culture Ministry in Lima till July 16. She will then be displayed at the museum, El Brujo.

Lady of Cao

Lady of Cao Screenshot via euronews

Did you know?

  • The Lady of Cao was buried with a crown, and gold and copper items.
  • The grave contained two war clubs and 23 spear throwers.
  • An autopsy revealed she had probably died of childbirth or pregnancy complications.
  • Near her grave was a strangled adolescent, who’s believed to have been a sacrifice to guide Lady of Cao into the afterlife.

Source: Lady of Cao’s Gets Facial Reconstruction