| 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 found slingshots.
The mummy is thought to originate with the Chancay civilization which existed between 1,000 and 1,500.
The mummy was found with metal plates on the eyes, which is thought a sign of power, along with the red paint on his face. A black tattoo was found behind his knee, 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 the layers were several offerings. Some things buried with him include cotton balls which may indicate he was a weaver and corn which indicates a high status. There were 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 and there is not much known about them. The tomb allows experts to better understand the Chancay. They concluded the Chancay held substantial regional control on the north-central coast of Peru during the period known as the Late Intermediate—about A.D. 1,000 to 1,476. 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