Andina

Peru: Ancient ruler’s facial recreation hits international headlines

Expertos logran recrear el rostro del Señor de Sipán.

16:34 | Lima, Sep. 22.

International media has reacted to the recent 3D face reconstruction of the ancient Lord of Sipan, as it helped recreate the appearance of the ruler, who is believed to have died when he was 45 to 55 years old.

The Daily Mail Online posted a full story about the research conducted by Brazilian scientists in cooperation with Lima-based Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University and the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum.

“Face of Lord of Sipan, the mysterious Moche warrior-priest, is brought back to life with a reconstruction of his 2,000-year-old skull,” reads its headline.

The article outlines the way his face was digitally reconstructed from 96 fragments of skull found 29 years ago in Lambayeque region.

According to EFE, the forensic facial reconstruction recreated the appearance of the first great ruler of ancient Peru.

The Mochica warrior priest was even compared with the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun because of his lavish tomb, which housed a luxurious paraphernalia, 15 priests and royalty.

Latin American media outlets also reported the news item. Chilean daily El Mercurio, for instance, highlights the facial recreation of the legendary Lord of Sipan and that he was one of the leading figures from the third century AD, before the Incas came to power.

On the other hand, Ancient Origins, an archaeology website that highlights recent discoveries and history around the globe, explained the way this ruler’s face has been revealed for the first time after an intensive initiative to reconstruct his face with the help of forensic anthropology experts.

With the use of cutting-edge technology, researchers found out that the ancient Peruvian priest was aged between 45 to 55 and was 1.67 meter tall.

(END) JCR/MAO/RMB/MVB

Published: 9/22/2016