The Lord of Sipan
The golden tomb
The archaeological complex of Huaca Rajada, where the splendid Tomb of the Lord of Sipan was found, is on Peru's north coast, 35 km (21 miles) southeast of the city of Chiclayo, which in turn is 770 km (478 miles) from the capital city of Lima. In 1987, a small group of Peruvian archaeologists led by Dr. Walter Alva discovered at Huaca Rajada the tomb of an important Moche governor who had been buried with riches and all the symbols of his station in life. The discovery was world news and is considered as important as the discovery of the tomb of the Tutankhamen.
The Lord of Sipan died some 1770 years ago. As sovereign, he was considered a semi-god. He lived for about 40 years and was 1.67 meters tall (5.5 ft). His rich attire included necklaces, breastplates, ear spools, nose rings, helmets, bracelets and sceptres, mostly in a combination of gold and silver. There were also objects in copper, spondyllus shells and semiprecious
stones. Most of the pieces have symbolic designs.
Shortly after the discovery of the Lord of Sipan's tomb, Alva and his team found two more tombs, of a Priest and of the Old Lord of Sipan. The importance of this discovery, and the need to provide an appropriate place to house the remains of the Lord of Sipan and his treasures, led to the building of the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, designed by architect Celso Prado, which opened in 2002 in the city of Lambayeque (15 km / 9 miles from Chiclayo). This museum is one of the most important in the Americas, considered the "Museum of the 21st century". The building is comprised of three levels, starting at the third, highest level with access via a ramp 74 meters long (242 ft), similar to those used at the ancient Moche temples.
Altitude
46 masl (150 ft)
How to get there
- By air: daily flights to Chiclayo from Lima (1 hour) and from Trujillo (15 minutes).
- Overland: on the Pan-American Highway several bus companies offer daily services between Chiclayo and other cities on the coast. From Lima, 770 km / 478 miles (12 hours); from Trujillo, 216 km / 134 miles (3 hours), or from Tumbes, 483 km / 300 miles (71/2 hours).
- From Chiclayo to Huaca Rajada, travel southeast for 35 km (22 miles), and then bear north for 15 km (9 miles)
to reach Lambayeque and the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum.
Minimum Length of Stay
Two days are required.
Recommendations
Sunscreen is required, light clothing (T-shirts, shorts), comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses.
Nearby Attractions
The 'ghost town' of Zaña, and the colonial remains of its main church, the San Agustin convent, the churches of San Francisco and La Merced.
Season / Climate
Sun all year round, very hot between December and April.
Festivals
Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo (April 27): Province of Chiclayo, district of Zaña. Fair celebrated in honor of their patron saint.
Gastronomy
- Seco de cabrito con frijoles: stew of tender goat in maize beer and cilantro sauce, served with beans.
- Arroz con pato a la chiclayana: duck and rice in a dark beer and cilantro sauce.
- Chinguirito: shredded salt-dried fish tossed in lime juice and onions.
- Tortilla de raya: an omelette with salt-dried ray fish
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