The Sarcophagi of Carajía, also known as Karijia, stand tall and solemn, perched on a cliffside overlooking the Utcabamba Valley in Peru. These unique vertical burial structures have captured the imagination of researchers and visitors alike for centuries, but it wasn’t until recently that they were fully investigated.
Sarcophagi of Carajía
The Sarcophagi of Carajía, situated in the Utcubamba Valley in Peru, are remarkable examples of pre-Inca Chachapoyas culture burial sites. These imposing structures, located on a cliffside, contain eight mummies and are often referred to as the “ancient wise men” by local residents.
The Chachapoya people, known for their advanced funerary practices, placed great importance on protecting their deceased. As such, they strategically positioned their sarcophagi in remote and hard-to-reach locations.
What sets the Sarcophagi of Carajía apart is their exceptional size, reaching up to 2.50 meters in height, as well as their meticulous craftsmanship. Despite the passage of time, these sarcophagi have remained remarkably intact due to their elevated and inaccessible placement atop the ravine.
Uncovering the Mysteries
The Sarcophagi of Carajía, crafted by the Chachapoya civilization in the 15th century, consist of seven standing burial capsules situated approximately 700 feet above the valley floor. Originally, there were eight sarcophagi, but one collapsed during a seismic event in 1928. Despite the decline of much of the Chachapoya culture over time and their absorption into the Inca Empire, these sarcophagi have endured, largely due to their remote and inaccessible location.
Each sarcophagus stands at an impressive height of around eight feet and is constructed from grass and clay, integrated directly into the cliff face. Remarkably, some of the graves still contain human skulls that were placed atop the sarcophagi as part of the burial ritual. This unique preservation offers invaluable insights into the funerary practices and beliefs of the Chachapoya civilization.
The exploration of the Sarcophagi of Carajía didn’t occur until the mid-19th century, when researchers finally managed to ascend the cliff face and examine the mummies. Their investigations involved dating the sarcophagi and speculating on their construction process. It is hypothesized that the original builders utilized natural rock outcroppings, which may have deteriorated over time due to deliberate or natural causes. While the sarcophagi themselves are sheltered from the elements by the surrounding rock walls, they have suffered some damage from birds and other small animals.
To safeguard the ancient contents from further degradation, researchers removed the contents of the sarcophagi. This preservation effort aimed to protect the ancient remains and provide valuable insights into the Chachapoya burial customs and practices.
