Peru discovery suggests 7th‑century female leader of moche
A team of archaeologists working in the Nepeña River valley in western Peru has discovered a royal hall, which may indicate that a woman led the pre-Columbian Moche civilization in the 7th century.
5:02 PM EST, November 6, 2024
The royal hall was discovered at the Panamarca archaeological site, where the Moche culture once flourished, developing between AD 350 and 850. During the research, pillars, paintings, and a throne were found, suggesting the presence of a local community leader. Researchers from Columbia University and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (USA) indicate that these findings may suggest a female leader.
In the so-called Moche imagination hall, paintings depicting the figure of a "strong woman" were found. Her image also adorns the throne, which scientists believe confirms that she was a real leader, not a mythical figure or goddess. Additionally, the throne was decorated with green beads and thin threads—materials highly valued by the women of this culture.
Archaeologists also came across paintings depicting men, women, and animals such as dogs, deer, and snakes. Frequent motifs include battle scenes conducted by the Moche people, providing insight into their social and military life.
Moche civilization
The Moche civilization is an ancient pre-Inca civilization known for its use of advanced construction techniques. They built step pyramids out of adobe brick and extensive cities, the most famous of which is Chan Chan. The civilization was also renowned for its advanced metalwork, ceramic, and textile techniques. They employed sophisticated agricultural techniques, particularly in field irrigation.
Previous archaeological research has confirmed that the Moche civilization co-created a highly organized society with a hierarchical class system.
Discoveries in Panamarca shed new light on the social structure of this ancient civilization and suggest that women may have played key roles within it.
