A mummy of a Nasca boy, which is now on display in the National Museum of Ica, Peru, has scientists wondering why he was buried in such a particular body position, leading them to determine he suffered from a disability.
“Most Peruvian mummies come bundled in cloth, with their legs folded up to their chests and their arms around their knees. But the young boy we now know only as the Nasca Boy was buried in a position he probably occupied in life: on a contoured, cushioned adobe stool, with his lower legs tucked beneath his seat”, said Ars Technica on Tuesday.
According to this website, this is so far the only burial of its kind that archaeologists have ever seen and it suggests that he lived with a disability and would have required additional care and resources.
This boy probably died around 700 AD and his remains have been researched since 1973. In that opportunity, it was found that there was tuberculosis evidence in the boy’s body, which was a disease that stalked South American populations long before Europeans arrived.
“Archaeologist Lorna Tilley and her colleagues have taken a second look at that study in an effort to reconstruct details of the child’s experience with his illness and disability, the kind of care he probably received, and what that reveals about the culture in which he lived”, explained Ars Technica.
An autopsy revealed that the child probably suffered from Pott’s Disease, which leads to a tuberculosis infection in the spinal cord. This is why “Allison and his colleagues suggested that the child’s ordeal began as a mild respiratory infection when the boy was a year or two old”, the aforementioned media said.
(Source)
(Cover Photo Twitter)
Don’t Miss:
Peru Recovers 1,700 Archaeological Pieces And Works Of Art From 9 Countries
Experts From Peru And Poland Carry Out Archaeological Study In Toro Muerto
Now that you're here:
We're asking you, our reader, to make a contribution in support of our digital guide in order to keep informing, updating and inspiring people to visit Peru. Why now? In our near 20-year journey as the leading English-language source on travel in Peru, we've had our fair share of ups and downs-but nothing quite like the challenges brought forth in the first quarter of 2020.
By adapting to the changing face of the tourism and travel industry (on both local and international levels), we have no doubt we will come out stronger-especially with the support of our community. Because you will travel again, and we will be ready to show you the best of Peru.
Your financial support means we can keep sharing the best of Peru through high-quality stories, videos and insights provided by our dedicated team of contributors and editors based in Peru. And of course, We are here to answer your questions and help whenever you need us.
As well, it makes possible our commitment to support local and small businesses that make your visit an unforgettable one. Your support will help the people working in these industries get back on their feet once the world allows us to make our dream of enjoying everything Peru has to offer a reality again-from its mouthwatering gastronomy, thriving Amazon and archaeological wonders such as Machu Picchu.
Together, we will find a way through this. As a member of our community, your contribution, however big or small, is valuable.
Support Traveling & Living in Peru from as little as $1 - and it only takes a minute. Thank you!
