February 5, 2019

An Important Moche Ceremonial Site Uncovered in Peru

Peruvian archaeologists have unearthed a Moche ceremonial banquet hall at the Huaca Limón de Ucupe site in the Lambayeque region. They also found artifacts and human remains at the site. The structure is dated to the 4th century, and then it was suddenly abandoned in the same century

The banquet hall was used by the Moche for banquets held by the rulers. There are two rooms at the complex; the banquet room and a meeting room. The banquet room has two thrones, a large and smaller one. A staircase leads up to the banquet hall, which is on a platform. There are 100 nooks for plates and dishes. Murals of painted sea lions and fish decorate the room. There is a mural of fishermen on a painted boat catching fish. We have murals of these feasts, but this is the first time a feasting area like this has been uncovered.

The site sits upon the banks of the Zana River. Perhaps El Nino flooding ended its history.

National Geographic has the report with photos and a video;
https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/ancient-throne-and-ceremonial-hall-unearthed-in-peru.aspx

Mike Ruggeri’s Moche/Wari Era Peru
http://mikeruggerismoche.tumblr.com