Face of Ancient Inca Sacrifice 'Juanita' Revealed: Stunning Reconstruction Unveiled in Peru

On Tuesday, October 24, scientists unveiled a sculpture depicting the possible appearance of Juanita, well-known Inca mummy sacrificed more than five centuries ago in the Andes. Crafted from silicone, it represents a youthful figure with prominent cheekbones, dark eyes, and a sun-kissed complexion.

This creation resulted from a collaboration between Polish and Peruvian scientists, along with a Swedish sculptor renowned for facial reconstructions. The presentation took place at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum of the Catholic University of Santa Maria in Arequipa. Johan Reinhard, the American anthropologist credited with discovering the mummy, expressed his surprise at finally seeing her living face.

Meet Juanita: The Ice Maiden Scarificed in 15th Century

Juanita, known as "Juanita: the ice girl" or the "Lady of Ampato," was a teenage virgin from the Inca period. In the 15th century, when she was between 12 and 15 years old, she, along with other young women, was chosen for an Inca ritual sacrifice known as Capacocha on the Ampato volcano, over 6,300 meters above sea level. This ritual aimed to appease Pachamama (Mother Earth), prevent natural disasters, and ensure a bountiful harvest.

She remained on Ampato for many years until a nearby volcano, Sabancaya, erupted, melting the surrounding snow and revealing her in 1995. American archaeologist Johan Reinhard and his assistant, Miguel Zárate, made this astonishing discovery. Her existence filled a historical gap as it had not been known that the Incas sacrificed women in their rituals.

Subsequent studies on Juanita revealed various details about her, such as her cause of death, dietary changes leading to her sacrifice, and the absence of disease. Remarkably, her body was naturally preserved by the low temperatures of Ampato, so the Incas did not mummify her. Currently, Juanita is displayed in a double transparent urn under constant 19°C temperature conditions.

The Juanita mummy's discovery was a significant revelation, and she continues to offer valuable insights into Inca culture and history. Scientists have conducted in-depth research on her, using advanced techniques like tomography and three-dimensional X-rays, providing details about her age, height, health, and the probable cause of her death. She is believed to have lived between 1440 and 1450 AD and met her tragic end through a head injury, likely caused by a blunt object.

Facial Reconstruction of Inca Mummy Juanita

After 28 years since the discovery of Juanita, the dream of reconstructing her face has become a reality, thanks to the work of Oscar Nilsson, a Swedish archaeologist and sculptor specializing in 3D facial reconstructions. Nilsson revealed that the modeling process required around 400 hours of work.

Dagmara Socha, a Polish bioarchaeologist from the University of Warsaw's Center for Andean Studies, explained that the initial step in recreating Juanita's face involved obtaining a skull replica. The reconstruction process incorporated body scans, DNA analysis, ethnological characteristics, age, and complexion to achieve a comprehensive portrayal.

Anthropological research indicates that Juanita was sacrificed between 1440 and 1450 AD when she was 13 to 15 years old. She stood at 1.40 meters (55 inches) in height, weighed 35 kilograms (77 pounds), and was well-nourished. A severe blow to the right occipital lobe is the likely cause of her death, as determined by researchers at Johns Hopkins University through a CT scan.

Reinhard, renowned for his discoveries of over 14 Inca human sacrifices in the Andes, has been involved in the ongoing investigation of Juanita's life, including her diet and the objects found alongside her. These findings have provided valuable insights into her life and Inca culture, ultimately bringing Juanita to life for us.

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