Archaeological Discovery Location

• Argentinian Andes, Llullaillaco mountain over 22,000 ft elevation
• Highest archaeological site in world
• Atakama desert region - one of driest places on planet
• Archaeologists endured days of driving winds, freezing temperatures to reach summit

Excavation Details

• Three burials found under 5 ft of rock and earth
• One burial platform placed in naturally formed bedrock hole
• Narrow pit required lowering archaeologist by hand to retrieve contents
• Bodies naturally mummified by extreme cold - most well-preserved mummies ever found
• Bodies froze before dehydration, preventing organ shrinkage/desiccation

Victim Analysis

• Three children total: boy and girl both ~4-5 years old, older girl ~13 years old
• 13-year-old girl showed signs of tuberculosis infection
• High-quality clothing indicated high social class
• Younger boy found tied up
• Radiocarbon testing: bodies at least 500 years old (pre-1532 Spanish arrival)

Chemical Analysis

• High levels of alcohol (chicha - corn-based spirit) and coca in all systems at death
• Older girl had coca chunk lodged between teeth and cheek
• Hair analysis (1cm/month growth rate) revealed dramatic diet change 12 months before death
  • Changed from mostly potatoes to luxurious diet of meat and maize

Inca Empire Context

• Ruled South America 1438-1533 AD
• Sophisticated, powerful civilization
• Traditional burial practices: people buried where they lived (not on mountains)
• Coca integral to society - used for pain, fatigue, respiratory problems
• Alcohol/intoxication considered spiritual/holy experience

Capacocha Ritual Sacrifice

• Child sacrifice practice called "capacocha"
• Great honor in Inca culture
• Children selected from far corners of empire to symbolize unity
• Special caste called "aklla" groomed for this purpose
  • Young girls schooled in weaving and chicha making
  • At puberty: married to dignitaries or sacrificed to gods
• Ritual involved months-long journey from Cusco capital
• Large quantities of alcohol and coca during ceremonial process
• Typical killing methods: strangulation, live burial, blows to head
• Sacrifice believed to ensure survival of entire people

Remaining Questions

• Exact cause of death unknown for 13-year-old girl
• Younger two children don't fit typical aklla profile
• Theories continue regarding why all three were part of sacrifice