Juanita Mummy Museum (Museo Santuarios Andinos)
Arequipa
The Andean Sanctuaries Museum, located in Arequipa, Peru, is a specialized archaeological museum dedicated to preserving artifacts from high-altitude Inca ritual sites. Founded in 1996 by the Catholic University of Santa María, the museum's centerpiece is the Juanita mummy, a well-preserved Inca sacrifice found in 1995 on the Ampato volcano. The museum exhibits over 70 objects including polychromatic ceramics, textiles, metals such as copper, silver, and gold statuettes, and ritual items like wooden qirus and Inca aryballus. It also features other mummies like Urpicha and Sarita, discovered on nearby volcanoes. The collection highlights the Capac Cocha ritual, showcasing offerings and bioarchaeological remains that provide insight into Inca sacrificial practices. The museum's artifacts date back approximately 550 years and represent significant cultural and religious elements of the Inca civilization. It also holds Spondylus shells transported from the Peruvian coast to the highlands by Inca priests, symbolizing sacred connections. The Andean Sanctuaries Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the spiritual life of the ancient Andes through its comprehensive archaeological collection and research.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official website for current opening hours and to consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance may be beneficial, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum may offer discounts for students and groups. Photography policies should be confirmed on site. The best time to visit Arequipa is during the dry season from April to October for comfortable weather.
Datos interesantes
- •The Juanita mummy is one of the best-preserved Inca sacrificial victims, discovered frozen on the Ampato volcano in 1995.
- •The museum's collection includes Spondylus shells that were transported from the Peruvian coast to the Andes by Inca priests as sacred offerings.
- •Besides Juanita, the museum houses the Urpicha and Sarita mummies, also found in high-altitude ritual sites.
- •The museum contains ancient Inca aryballus, which are small vessels used to hold sacred liquids during rituals.
- •The Capac Cocha ritual artifacts displayed provide rare insight into Inca human sacrifice ceremonies conducted on mountain summits.
Historia
The Andean Sanctuaries Museum was established in 1996 to conserve artifacts from the Santuarios de Altura del Sur Andino project initiated in 1980 by archaeologists José Chavéz and Johan Reinhard.
Its foundation was formalized by resolution N° 3966-R-97.
The museum gained national cultural heritage status in November 2020, recognizing its importance in preserving Inca archaeological treasures.
Over the decades, the museum has expanded its collection with discoveries such as the Juanita mummy in 1995 and other ritual mummies from nearby volcanoes, reflecting ongoing archaeological research in the region.
Guía del lugar
Juanita Mummy Exhibit1995
The highlight of the museum, showcasing the remarkably preserved mummy of an Inca girl sacrificed on the Ampato volcano, providing profound insight into Inca ritual practices.
Ceramics and Textile GalleryCirca 15th century
Displays over 70 polychromatic ceramic pieces and intricate textiles that were used in Capac Cocha rituals, illustrating Inca craftsmanship and religious symbolism.
Metalwork and Offerings CollectionInca period, approx. 15th century
Features copper, silver, and gold statuettes, wooden qirus (ritual drinking vessels), and metal offerings used by the Incas in sacred ceremonies.
Mummies of Urpicha and SaritaDiscovered late 20th century
Exhibits additional ritual mummies discovered on the Sara Sara and other volcanoes, expanding understanding of Inca sacrificial rites.
Contacto
Teléfono: (054) 286613