Sarcophagi of Karajía
Amazonas
The Sarcophagi of Karajía are a remarkable archaeological site featuring seven large anthropomorphic sarcophagi up to 2.5 meters tall, crafted from clay, sticks, and grasses. These sarcophagi belong to the Chachapoyas culture, known for their distinctive funerary tradition of protecting their deceased in hard-to-reach locations. Positioned high above a river gorge in the Utcubamba Valley, their inaccessible placement has preserved them from looting and natural decay. Each sarcophagus is painted white with detailed red and yellow ochre decorations representing body features and adornments, including feathered tunics and male genitalia. Unique to Karajía is the presence of human skulls atop the sarcophagi heads, a feature not found elsewhere. Radiocarbon dating places their creation in the 15th century, coinciding with the Inca conquest of the region. Inside the sarcophagi, mummies were found seated on animal skins and wrapped in mortuary cloths, accompanied by ceramic offerings. The site was rediscovered and studied in the 20th century by archaeologists including Federico Kauffmann Doig, with the help of local climbers to access the cliffside caves. The sarcophagi's sculptural faces are believed to replicate funeral masks and share stylistic elements with other Andean cultures, emphasizing a prominent jawline. This site offers a unique glimpse into the Chachapoyas' funerary customs and artistic expression, preserved in an extraordinary natural setting.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip during the dry season to ensure safer access and better weather conditions. Due to the site's remote and cliffside location, it is advisable to arrange guided tours and secure tickets in advance. The site is protected, so visitors should respect preservation rules and avoid touching the sarcophagi. Discounts may be available for students or groups through official tourism channels. Bringing proper hiking gear and water is recommended for the ascent and exploration.
Interesting facts
- •The sarcophagi stand up to 2.5 meters tall, making them unusually large compared to typical burial containers in the region.
- •One sarcophagus collapsed during a 1928 earthquake and was lost in the abyss, providing unique access to study the contents of adjacent sarcophagi.
- •The sarcophagi are painted with two tones of red over a white base, depicting feathered tunics and male genitalia, reflecting cultural symbolism.
- •Human skulls placed atop the sarcophagi heads are unique to Karajía and not found in other Chachapoyan burial sites.
- •The sarcophagi are located more than 200 meters above the bottom of the gorge on a cliff face, making access difficult and helping preserve them.
History
The Sarcophagi of Karajía were constructed by the Chachapoyas culture in the 15th century, around the time of the Inca conquest in the 1470s.
Their burial tradition involved placing mummified remains in anthropomorphic sarcophagi situated in inaccessible cliffside caves to protect them from looters and natural threats.
The site was first mentioned in historical records in the late 18th century but was largely forgotten until rediscovered in 1985 by archaeologist Federico Kauffmann Doig.
An earthquake in 1928 toppled one of the original eight sarcophagi, which was lost to the ravine below.
Since then, the remaining seven sarcophagi have been studied and preserved, offering insight into pre-Inca funerary practices in the Amazonas region.
Place Guide
Cliffside Sarcophagi Cluster15th century
This is the main archaeological feature consisting of seven large anthropomorphic sarcophagi perched on a vertical cliff face, each carefully constructed and painted. Visitors can observe the detailed facial features, including prominent jaws and human skulls atop the heads, unique to this site.
Mummy Burial Contents15th century
Inside the sarcophagi, mummies were found seated on animal skins and wrapped in mortuary cloths, accompanied by ceramic objects and offerings. This reveals the funerary customs and beliefs of the Chachapoyas people.
Contact
Phone: 986 486 700
