Story perspectives

Ancient Inca Mummies Reveal Secrets of Child Sacrifice

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers studied four Inca capacocha mummies of young girls buried about 500 years ago in the Peruvian Andes.
The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, notes trauma on the Lady of Ampato mummy.
A second mummy shows a healed jaw fracture and dehydration, while the fourth, Sara Sara, reveals artificial mummification and decorative wrappings.
The findings illuminate child-sacrifice practices and the capacocha ritual in ancient Peru.

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Story summary

Researchers studied four Inca capacocha mummies of young girls buried about 500 years ago in the Peruvian Andes.
The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, notes trauma on the Lady of Ampato mummy.
A second mummy shows a healed jaw fracture and dehydration, while the fourth, Sara Sara, reveals artificial mummification and decorative wrappings.
The findings illuminate child-sacrifice practices and the capacocha ritual in ancient Peru.