Overview:

The Sarcofagi of Karajia In Peru is a group of ancient funerary figures or "mummies" created and placed in niches in the side of a cliff in the Utcubamba Valley in Peru. The complex was built sometime in the 15th century by members of the Chachapoyas, a pre-Inca culture that inhabited northern Peru between 800 and 1470. The six figures, believed to represent important members of the tribe, were placed on the cliff in ceremonial robes and masks. The figures are said to still have the remains of hair and skin, and some are even said to be wearing jewelry. The figures are in an impressive state of preservation, and they are believed to have been placed in a state of suspended animation through some sort of mummification process. The exact methods used to preserve the figures remain a mystery. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

The Sarcofagi of Karajia are one of the most prominent features of the Peruvian landscape. The mausoleums are impressive in their sheer size and grandeur. Built in the 15th century by the people of the Chachapoyas civilization, these eight colossal sarcophagi are located on a terrace overlooking the Utcubamba Valley. Each sarcophagus is more than six meters high and can contain up to twenty human bodies. The figures are a striking reminder of the people and culture of the Chachapoyas civilization and their belief in life after death. They also contain some of the oldest known examples of pre-Columbian art, with depictions of funerary themes, such as birds, fish, and painted designs for their visages. The site of the Sarcofagi of Karajia is now an archaeological protected site and a popular tourist destination. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Sarcofagi of Karajia are a series of large pre-Columbian mausoleums, located in the province of Luya in Amazonas, Peru, near the town of Chachapoyas. They were built by the Chachapoyas civilization, dating from around the 15th to the 17th century. The mausoleums, each of which contains several human bodies, are made of dry stone and mud mortar. They are decorated with long, narrow ceramic figures and look like giant sofa figures. The Sarcofagi of Karajia are an important part of the Chachapoyas culture, which is believed to have been displaced by the Inca Empire. Today the mausoleums are a tourist destination, and serve as a reminder of the region's ancient heritage. The mausoleums were discovered by the archaeologist Luis E. Valcarcel in the 1930s. He believed that the mausoleums were built by the Chachapoyas people as a burial site for the highest-ranking members of their society. The mummies were made to represent the gods and were placed in the mausoleums, surrounded by elaborate offerings of food, jewelry, and other items. The Sarcofagi of Karajia are in a state of decay due to exposure to the elements, but are still remarkably well-preserved. Many of the mummies and offerings remain in the mausoleums, and are considered masterpieces of pre-Columbian art. The mausoleums are protected by Peru's Ministry of Culture, and the Government of Peru funds the protection, maintenance, and preservation of the Sarcofagi of Karajia. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Karajia Sarcophagi are Pre-Inca mummified remains of over 200 people that were found in Peru in 1988. 2. The mummies were found high up in the wall of a cliff in the Utcubamba Valley and were believed to be placed there as far back as 500 years ago. 3. The mummies were found with their features still intact, and many have kept their hair, clothes and jewelry. 4. The purpose of the mummies is still not fully understood, but it has been speculated that they may have been placed there by their families and community to honor the deceased. 5. The mummies were discovered by James Quesada, a local farmer who stumbled upon the remains while herding his animals. 6. The mummies were preserved due to the dry climate and the cold temperatures in the region. 7. The mummies are believed to belong to the Chachapoyan culture, and are thought to represent nobility of the era. 8. The sarcophagi are considered to be an important part of Peru's cultural heritage. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era