Peru’s Most Famous Mummy, “Juanita,” Reveals Her Face After 500 Years
LIMA, Peru — The long-awaited unveiling of the potential living face of Peru’s most well-known mummy, a teenage Inca girl sacrificed more than 500 years ago in the Andes, took place on Tuesday.
The lifelike silicone bust showcases a young woman with distinct cheekbones, dark eyes, and sun-kissed skin. Created by a team of Polish and Peruvian scientists, in collaboration with Swedish sculptor Oscar Nilsson, who specializes in facial reconstructions, the bust was presented during a ceremony at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum of the Catholic University of Santa Maria in Arequipa.
“I never thought I would see her face in its living form,” expressed Johan Reinhard, the U.S. anthropologist who discovered the mummy known as “Juanita” or the “Inca Ice Maiden” back in 1995. Located at an altitude of over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) on the snow-covered Ampato volcano, Reinhard’s discovery has now become a reality after 28 years, thanks to Nilsson’s meticulous reconstruction.
Nilsson, an archeologist and sculptor hailing from Sweden, specializes in creating 3D facial reconstructions of ancient human remains. In an email to The Associated Press, Nilsson revealed that he dedicated approximately 400 hours to meticulously crafting Juanita’s face.
Meanwhile, Polish bioarchaeologist Dagmara Socha, from the University of Warsaw’s Center for Andean Studies, discussed the initial steps taken to recreate Juanita’s face. The first task involved obtaining an accurate replica of her skull. Then, through body scans, DNA studies, ethnological characteristics, age estimation, and complexion analysis, the team carried out the complex process of facial reconstruction.
According to anthropological research, Juanita was offered as a sacrifice between A.D. 1440 and 1450, when she was between 13 and 15 years old. Standing 1.40 meters (55 inches) tall and weighing 35 kilos (77 pounds), she was in good physical condition.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University, who performed a CT scan, indicated that Juanita’s probable cause of death was a powerful blow to the right occipital lobe. Reinhard, renowned for uncovering over 14 Inca human sacrifices in the high Andes, including three children found in an icy pit at Argentina’s Llullaillaco volcano, explained that scientists have been diligently investigating various aspects of Juanita’s life, such as her diet and the accompanying objects buried with her.
“The findings have significantly contributed to our understanding of her life and the Inca culture,” Reinhard stated. “Now, we can truly glimpse her appearance and perceive her as an even more vivid historical figure.”
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