• About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News
  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
Archaeology News
No Result
View All Result
Home News Archaeology

Archaeologists reconstruct face of Incan ‘Ice Maiden’ mummy killed in ritual sacrifice 500 years ago

by Dario Radley
November 9, 2023

Over 500 years ago, high in the Andes Mountains in present-day Peru, an Incan girl met a tragic end as part of a sacrificial ritual. The frozen mummified remains of this adolescent, known as the “Inca Ice Maiden” or “Juanita,” were discovered in 1995 by American archaeologist Johan Reinhard and Peruvian mountaineer Miguel Zárate during an expedition to the Ampato volcano.

Archaeologists reconstruct face of Incan ‘Ice Maiden’ mummy killed in ritual sacrifice 500 years ago
The silicone bust showcases Juanita’s high cheekbones, dark hair, and eyes. Credit: Dagmara Socha

The recent unveiling of a lifelike silicone bust of Juanita’s face was created by Swedish forensic artist Oscar Nilsson in collaboration with the Center for Andean Studies at the University of Warsaw and Museo Santuarios Andinosto in Cuzco.

The reconstruction is part of an exhibition at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum in Peru called “Capacocha, following the Inca Divinities,” at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum in Peru. The exhibition not only presents the recreated visage but also explores the in-depth research conducted on Juanita’s life.

Nilsson utilized computed tomography (CT) scans, skull measurements, and DNA analysis to meticulously reconstruct the facial features of Juanita, shedding light on the appearance of this Incan teenager.

Juanita’s discovery at an altitude of 6,400 meters revealed her adorned in ceremonial attire, including a tunic and headpiece, surrounded by gold and silver figurines, woven bags, pottery, and a shell. A CT scan of her skull exposed evidence of a severe blow to the back of her head, leading archaeologists to conclude that she likely perished as part of a sacrificial ritual.

RelatedStories

Roman burial of infant twins in Croatia linked to lead poisoning

Roman burial of infant twins in Croatia linked to lead poisoning

May 31, 2025
4,500-year-old clay baby rattles in Syria reveal mass production and parenting in the Bronze Age

4,500-year-old clay baby rattles in Syria reveal mass production and parenting in the Bronze Age

May 29, 2025

The reconstruction process began with CT scans of Juanita’s skull and body, providing a foundation for a 3D-printed replica. Nilsson meticulously considered factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and weight to determine tissue depth. He then crafted a clay model, focusing on specific facial details drawn from measurements of her nasal cavity, eye orbits, and teeth. The final step involved casting the face in silicone, incorporating real human hair and pigmenting the skin to match her DNA-derived complexion.

Johan Reinhard, the American archaeologist who found Juanita, reflecting on the emotional impact of seeing Juanita’s reconstructed face, told the BBC, “I thought I’d never know what her face looked like when she was alive. Now, 28 years later, this has become a reality thanks to Oscar Nilsson’s reconstruction.”

Archaeologists reconstruct face of Incan ‘Ice Maiden’ mummy killed in ritual sacrifice 500 years ago
Juanita was killed by blunt trauma between 1440 and 1480, when she was approximately 12–15 years old. Credit: Martine, via Flickr,  CC BY NC 2.0

Archaeologists believe Juanita was sacrificed during the Inca ritual called “capacocha,” which often involved children and animals offered to the gods. The sacrifice aimed to address natural disasters, consolidate state power, or seek favor from deities.

Reinhard emphasized the honor Juanita’s community likely bestowed upon her selection, as sacrificial acts were viewed as bringing prestige to the parents and ensuring an afterlife of bliss for the victims.

Research into Juanita’s life continues, with investigations into her diet and the significance of objects found alongside her, including ceremonial clothing, ceramic items, and gold and silver figurines.

Researchers, including Dr. Dagmara Socha, a bioarchaeologist at the University of Warsaw and curator of the exhibit, emphasize the importance of scientific research and facial reconstruction in restoring the identity of these mummies.

Share4Tweet3Share1ShareSend

You May Also Like...

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river
Archaeology

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river

June 19, 2025
Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections
Archaeology

Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections

June 17, 2025
Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery
Anthropology

Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery

June 16, 2025
Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals
Archaeology

Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals

June 16, 2025
DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths
Anthropology

DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths

June 15, 2025
Ancient Xiaohe boat burials reveal symbolic water journey into the afterlife, new study finds. (Illustration by Anja Schorneck). Credit: Caspari, G., Asian Archaeology (2025)
Anthropology

Ancient Xiaohe boat burials reveal symbolic water journey into the afterlife, new study finds

June 14, 2025

Follow us


Instagram
247K

Facebook
108K

Threads
42K

LinkedIn
12K

Twitter
6K

YouTube
1K
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

May 18, 2025
Secrets of the mysterious Gobi wall revealed: archaeologists uncover imperial purpose behind 200-mile structure

Secrets of the mysterious Gobi wall revealed: archaeologists uncover imperial purpose behind 200-mile structure

May 28, 2025
Viking-era boat burial unearthed in Norway reveals 1,100-year-old remains of woman and her dog

Viking-era boat burial unearthed in Norway reveals 1,100-year-old remains of woman and her dog

June 9, 2025
6,200-year-old ‘cone-headed’ skull found in Iran reveals cranial modification and death by blunt force

6,200-year-old ‘cone-headed’ skull found in Iran reveals cranial modification and death by blunt force

June 13, 2025
Ancient Chinese star chart dated to 2,300 years ago may be the oldest ever, challenging astronomy history

Ancient Chinese star chart dated to 2,300 years ago may be the oldest ever, challenging astronomy history

May 17, 2025
$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius' eruption

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius’ eruption

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado's expedition

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado’s expedition

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river

June 19, 2025
Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections

Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections

June 17, 2025
Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery

Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery

June 16, 2025
Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals

Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals

June 16, 2025
DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths

DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths

June 15, 2025

Archaeology News online magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.











Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

About  .  Contact  .  Donation

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.