Peruvian Mummy "Juanita" Brought to Life Through Facial Reconstruction
Date
10/25/2023 8:57:53 AM
(MENAFN) Archaeologists have unveiled a model depicting the probable appearance of Peru's most renowned mummy, known as "Juanita" or the "Inca Ice Maiden". Believed to have been sacrificed in an ancient ritual over five centuries ago, Juanita was an Inca girl whose well-preserved remains continue to captivate scientists and historians.
Collaborating with facial reconstruction specialist Oscar Nilsson from Sweden, a team of Peruvian and Polish scientists meticulously crafted a silicon bust replicating the teenage girl's visage. The process involved body scans, skull measurements, DNA analyses, and consideration of ethnological features to guide the reconstruction.
The lifelike representation, boasting distinct cheekbones, dark eyes, and a complexion with brown undertones, required approximately 400 hours of painstaking work. The result, hailed by United States archaeologist Johan Reinhard, who initially discovered the mummy in 1995, adds a new dimension of vitality to Juanita's historical significance.
Dr. Reinhard expressed his awe, stating, "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."
Juanita's frozen body was found at a staggering altitude of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet) on the Ampato volcano by Dr. Reinhard and Peruvian mountaineer Miguel Zárate during an expedition. She was adorned in ceremonial attire, including a tunic and headpiece, and surrounded by an assortment of ceramic artifacts, including bowls and figurines.
Research conducted on the remains suggests that Juanita was between 14 and 15 years old at the time of her sacrificial ritual. The unveiling of the facial reconstruction not only provides a captivating glimpse into the past but also underscores the invaluable insights modern science can offer into ancient civilizations and practices.
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