Archaeologists have announced an extraordinary discovery in the coastal desert of western Peru. They eventually discovered the remains of an elite female, dubbed the Lady of Four Tupus, in the prehistoric town of Aspero. This major discovery, which was uncovered during a controversial excavation of the potential battle site, dates to between 3000 and 1800 B.C. The find provides an unprecedented look into the burial practices of the Caral civilization. It also gives us glimpses into their world and societal hierarchy all throughout the Pacific coast.
They found the Lady of Four Tupus entombed with a staggering cache of grave goods. This treasure speaks volumes about her high status in the community. It is thought she died relatively young, perhaps between the ages of 20 and 35. What she was buried with tells us remarkable things about the culture of the Aspero people. They open a window into their daily lives.
They found four fabulous tupus, or brooches, like these, with her remains. These brooches were carved in such detail in the forms of tropical birds and monkeys. The word “tupu” is derived from Quechua meaning a brooch to fasten clothing. The gate goods included a remarkable embroidered macaw-feather panel. So naturally, they worked in a toucan’s beak adorned with green and brown beads, as well as an Amazonian snail shell.
The excavation uncovered more than 30 sweet potatoes, along with an elaborate fishing net. This finding reinforces the concept that the Lady of Four Tupus was not simply an elite figure, but that she had deeper connections to her society’s agricultural production and fishing activities. These artifacts bring to life just how important food was to the people of Aspero. They illustrate the importance of trade in their daily lives.
Aspero is only 0.4 miles (0.7 kilometers) away from the Pacific Ocean. At its peak, it had at least 22 monumental architectural complexes. These important discoveries tell us that the residents of Aspero were highly dynamic fishers and traders. Such extensive international involvement emphasizes the complex social structure and economic activities that characterized their ancient civilization.
