https://phys.org/news/2018-05-archaeologists-year-old-mummy-peru.html > The excavation was carried out as a part of the Ychsma project, named after the region's native people, under the supervision of professor Eeckhout. Three monumental structures were explored during the campaign, including a sanctuary dedicated to the local ancestors. Under Inca rule, in the late 15th century, it appears to have been transformed into a water and healing temple. The archaeologists discovered many offerings left by worshippers such as Spondylus shells imported from Ecuador; these are associated with the influx of water during El Niño, and they symbolise fertility and abundance. > Before the Inca settled in the area, the sanctuary included large funerary chambers and numerous mummies, most of which were looted during the Spanish conquest. Miraculously, though, one of the chambers was found intact during the latest round of excavations: this is the funeral chamber that held the mummy. Due to its good condition, the researchers will be able to study it without unwrapping the bundle. Together with Christophe Moulherat (Musée du Quai Branly, Paris), they will soon examine the mummy using X-ray scans, axial tomography, 3-D reconstruction, and other imaging methods. This will enable them to determine the individual's position, any pathologies, and any additional artifacts inside the bundle.