Kiko Rontoy

Kiko Rontoy Human Mummy
Biographical Information
Name(s)	'Kiko Rontoy' aka Chancay Mummy
Age	c.30 years old
Sex	Male
Status	Elite/Upper Class
Height
Source
Culture	Chancay
Date(s)	1000-1500
Site	Ancient Peruvian city of Rontoy
Current Location
Location
Catalog #

In June, 2008 a mummy was found in a Peruvian town of Rontoy, nicknamed Kiko Rontoy. The individual was a male, about 30 to 45 years old. He was dressed in two tunics and a loincloth. Around his knees and his waist were slingshots. The mummy is thought to originate in the Chancay civilization which existed between 1000 and 1500. He was found with metal plates on his eyes, which is a sign of power, along with the red paint on his face. A black tattoo was found behind his knee, yet another sign of the elites. It is suspected that the man died of an infection, though it is not confirmed. Abundant corn, a necklace of silver metal beads, a wooden figurine, an empty woolen bag, two loops of yarn were all found with the body.

Mummification

The man was wrapped in layers of finely woven textiles and a gauze-like material. Embedded in those layers were several offerings. Some things buried with him include cotton balls which would indicate he was a weaver and corn which indicates a high status. There were also other artifacts such as a necklace, slingshot, and figurine found in the tomb. His organs were removed through disembowelment. His face also was covered in metal plates and red paint which were used for preservation and further show his status as some sort of elite in the Chancay society.

Studies

The Chancay were subjugated by the Inca so there is not much known about them. The tomb allows experts to better understand the Chancay. Experts conclude the Chancay held substantial regional control on the north-central coast of Peru during the period known as the Late Intermediate—about A.D. 1000 to 1476. Experts also concluded that the Chancay were independent and often traded with the Chimor Empire which was previously thought to rule the land of the Chancay.

Pathology

There are no broken bones or wounds, he may have had an fatal infection.

Additional

Kiko's tomb was found by luck when a ceramics expert was looking for ceramic remains to help secure better dates for the Chancay's occupation of the valley. The Chancay tomb is the only one excavated and scientifically examined.

External Links

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080717-new-mummy-missions.html

References

Roach, J. (2008, July 17). Rare Mummy Found With Strange Artifacts, Tattoo in Peru. Retrieved March 16, 2017, from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080717-new-mummy-missions.html

https://www.livescience.com/5012-scientists-unravel-mummy-mystery.html