Less famous than many of Peru's cultures, the Nazca people are today remembered for their burying techniques.
Historically residing on the dry coast region of Peru, the Nazca buried their loved ones in desert cemeteries. One of the more visually alluring is the Chauchilla Cemetery, which, despite being combed by grave robbers in the past, features thousands of ancient graves found deep within an arid Peruvian landscape.
Bones litter the area, with some bodies found in dug-out tombs and others simply lying in the sand. Many of the sun-bleached bones still wear their burial garments, often simple clothing with basic jewelry or headband adornments, and many still have a full head of hair. Exploring the graves, visitors will also see bits of pottery and other artisanal relics, all of which help paint a picture of this historic culture.
Just beyond the cemetery sits the Huaca del Loro, a small temple that was used for ceremonial purposes. Featuring a number of petroglyphs, the spot is both a piece of Nazca heritage and a good place to pay respects to those who are buried here.
Morbid curiosity satisfied at the Chauchilla Cemetery
Posted on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
