El Brujo Archaeological Complex (Huaca Cao Viejo / Lady of Cao)
El Brujo · Huaca Cao Viejo
Moche Early Intermediate 100 BCE–800 CE·Moche (Chicama Valley)·🇵🇪 La Libertad, Peru
About
About El Brujo Archaeological Complex (Huaca Cao Viejo / Lady of Cao)
Moche adobe pyramid 30 m high with polychrome friezes and intact tattooed Lady of Cao tomb c.400 CE proving female rule, Huaca Prieta 12,000 BCE nearby.
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Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Moche (Chicama Valley) in La Libertad; type-site demonstrating temple-pyramid and oracle and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of El Brujo Archaeological Complex (Huaca Cao Viejo / Lady of Cao) within Moche Early Intermediate 100 BCE–800 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Moche (Chicama Valley) ceremonial center for temple-pyramid and oracle
- 02Regional capital controlling trade and tribute network
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.100 BCE–650 CE
- Period
- Moche Early Intermediate 100 BCE–800 CE
- Culture
- Moche (Chicama Valley)
- Builders
- Moche
- Purpose
- Temple-pyramid and oracle
- Abandoned
- c.650 CE
- Rediscovered
- 1946 Bird; 1990 Franco
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.100 BCE–650 CE
El Brujo Archaeological Complex (Huaca Cao Viejo / Lady of Cao) construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
7.9147° S · 79.3042° W · 25 m · 2 mapped features
El Brujo Archaeological Complex (Huaca Cao Viejo / Lady of Cao) central feature
featureMain architectural feature
7.9147° S · 79.3042° WEl Brujo Archaeological Complex (Huaca Cao Viejo / Lady of Cao) secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
7.9137° S · 79.3032° W
Gallery