Rescue Archaeology of the Inca Mummy on Mount Quehuar, Argentina

Abstract

Over five hundred years ago the Incas carried out dramatic ceremonies on mountain summits, many of which were over 6,000 meters high. The most important offerings made at these sites involved human sacrifices. On Mount Quehuar in northwestern Argentina, an Inca sacrificial victim was found on the summit, but the frozen remains had been severely damaged by dynamite used by looters. In this study we present the results of the rescue archaeology undertaken at the site. The structures excavated and the mummy and artifacts recovered are described.