Archaeologists have found a beautifully preserved Chimu sculpture at the Chan Chan archaeological site in Peru, a region that was sporadically settled between 600 BC. and before the colonial period, writes The Art Newspaper.

The statue was found during an ongoing project to preserve Huaka Takainamo, a pyramidal structure in the ancient complex that archaeologists believe was used primarily for ceremonial and funeral purposes..

The statue, 47 cm high, belongs to the early Chimu period (900-1470).. ) and is between 850 and 1500 years old, making it one of the oldest sculptures discovered in the region..

“The sculpture is in perfect condition, has an A-line cap [and] an ornament of seven vertical bands of light and dark colors,” according to a report released by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture..

" Nose, with a straight profile, stands out from the plane of the face. The almond-shaped eyes and round ears show irregularities where the black resin that was used to attach mother-of-pearl plates has been preserved..

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The archaeological site of Chan Chan is located in the La Esperanza region of Trujillo, on the northern coast of Peru.. As the statue was discovered, the Huaka Takainamo complex is surrounded by well-preserved polychrome paintings..

The sculpture was discovered along with nectandra seeds, which have been associated with ritual human sacrifice in the Chimu culture and are believed to have psychotropic properties.. Under the statue was a small black bag adorned with brown and white threads.. According to Cesar Galvez Mora, director of the local monument conservation project, the find confirms "

We will remind, recently in Peru also found the mummies of children who were sacrificed.