LIMA, PERÚ-MAYO 17. Roxana Gómez, directora de la zona arqueológica Bellavista presenta vestigios encontrados de Monumento Arqueológico Prehispánico en el distrito de Santa Anita. Foto: ANDINA/Eddy Ramos.
Archaeological works at Huaca Bellavista —in Lima's eastern Santa Anita district— unveil pre-Hispanic Ichma culture burials, trace of Inca occupation, and 20th century Chinese human remains.
Santa Anita district is 28 years old. However, evidence of a continuous occupation dates back to several centuries ago.
In statements to El Peruano official gazette, archaeologist Roxana Gomez noted the relevance of works at the site, the most important one of the said culture in the area.
According to the expert, the main goal is to make sure neighbors get to know the history of their area.
A series of artifacts have been found during excavations, which reveal the different usages of the site throughout time.
Burials
Gomez said various Ichma burial sites have been found. Some of them contain child corpses; and based on the grave goods, most of them had elite status.
The site also features artifacts dating to the Inca period occupation, such as aryballos.
Gomez, head of the site refurbishment project, explained the place was abandoned during Francisco de Toledo's time as viceroy.
However, it served different uses. For instance, during the early 20th century, Chinese workers could not be buried at a cemetery, as they were not Christians, so they were put in the so-called huacas.
Seven burials of this type have been found at the upper part of the complex.
(END) DOP/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/23/2017