Chimu, Labyrinths of a sacred costume
Representation of a funerary ceremony. Wood, stone, shell and cotton fiber. Colección Proyecto Arqueológico Huacas de la Luna y del Sol, Trujillo, Perú
Representation of a funerary ceremony. Wood, stone, shell and cotton fiber. Colección Proyecto Arqueológico Huacas de la Luna y del Sol, Trujillo, Perú
Representation of a funerary ceremony. Wood, stone, shell and cotton fiber. Colección Proyecto Arqueológico Huacas de la Luna y del Sol, Trujillo, Perú
Representation of a funerary ceremony. Wood, stone, shell and cotton fiber. Colección Proyecto Arqueológico Huacas de la Luna y del Sol, Trujillo, Perú
Representation of a funerary ceremony. Wood, stone, shell and cotton fiber. Colección Proyecto Arqueológico Huacas de la Luna y del Sol, Trujillo, Perú
Model of funeral ceremony
This is an architectural model that represents one of the central ceremonies of the Chimú ideology. In a square surrounded by high walls decorated with marine motifs, as in the citadels of Chan Chan, a group of people worship the mummy of a former dignitary. Some celebrants beat drums and play flutes (quenas), while others serve chicha beverage placed in a large vessel. On the sidewalks there are people sitting with their severed hands. The mummy with her bundle is located on a proscenium ramp. In a rear enclosure, there are two other funerary bundles. To these mummies would be dedicated the offerings in the form of baskets or chests.