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Karajia Chachapoyas, Peru

It is an spectacular funerary site. Here we will find 3 meter anthropomorphic wooden coffins located under a cliff. Mummies were placed inside each coffin. It is not easy to get the area and requires a long walk.

Ms. Adriana Von Hagen, co-director of Leymebamba museum and expert in Chachapoyas culture, wrote the following " Near Kuelap and north of the citadel, the Chachapopyas buried their dead in capsule-like tombs constructed of stone, wooden or cane poles and clay. Known locally as purunmachus (from the Quechua, purun wild and machu, old), The funerary statues broom from cliffside perches overlooking the left bank of the Utcubamba and several of its western tributaries"

Thejn she added " The purunmachus were constructed by first building a low wall decorated with painted relief designs, or by placing the body directly on a ledge. Then a small wall was built around the funerary bundle, covering the bundle, and long poles inserted into the construction. Next, the capsule was covered in mud mixed with straw and painted white or cream. Finally, details such as necklaces or pectorals, feathered tunics, facial traits or face paint and genitals were added in shades of yellow ocre and two shades of red, probably an ochre and hermatite for the darker red".

It is not easy to get the area and requires a long walk.

More information:

Chachapoyas Tours  El Chillo Lodge Hotel  Chachapoya Map