Momia Juanita (also known as “Mummy Juanita”) is the name given to the mummy of an Incan girl who lived in the 15th century and was found in Pᴇʀᴜ in 1995. She is also referred to as the “Lady of Ampato” and the “Inca Ice Maiden,” the former because her body was discovered on Mount Ampato, a dormant volcano in the Andes, and the latter because it was preserved by the subfreezing temperatures there.
Researchers have hypothesized that Mummy Juanita was a victim of a significant Incan sacrifice ritual called Capacocha (Capac Cocha), which has been interpreted as “royal obligation” on occasion. Scientific investigations into Momia Juanita have also uncovered a number of fascinating facts regarding her life and passing.
Mummy Juanita before unwrapping her body
Finding the Mummy Juanita
On September 8, 1995, the archaeologist Johan Reinhard and his assistant Miguel Zarate made the discovery of Momia Juanita.
Momia Juanita was just 12 to 15 years old when she ᴘᴀssᴇᴅ ᴀᴡᴀʏ, say researchers. It has been hypothesized that the two people who were found a month later were also children and may have served as companion sacrifices to Mummy Juanita’s on top of the mountain.
Sacrifice in Rituals, or Capacocha
Researchers claim that Momia Juanita was sacrificed as a part of the Capacocha ritual. The Inca were expected to sacrifice the strongest and healthiest individuals for this rite.
This image may depict the ritual of Capacocha.
Suicide of Juanita
Momia Juanita was found wrapped up in a bundle when she was found. In addition to the young girl’s remains, the bundle contained a variety of treasures, including countless tiny clay sculptures, shells, and gold items.
The isotopic analysis of Momia Juanita’s hair, which was made possible by the hair’s exceptional preservation, is another scientific investigation that shed light on her life. Researchers were able to learn more about the girl’s diet thanks to this analysis. It Suggests That About A Year Before Her Actual ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ, This Girl Was Selected As A Sacrificial Victim. The isotopic analysis of her hair revealed that this is indicated by a change in diet.
Mummy Juanita is being kept in Arequipa’s Museo Santuarios Andinos, which is ᴄʟᴏsᴇ to Mount Ampato. The mummy is housed in an unique container that precisely regulates the environment’s temperature and humidity in order to guarantee the long-term preservation of these remains.
Today the mummy is kept in a special preservation case.
