A former priestess, the Lady of Cao, can now be seen in a replica of her face, which was unveiled in Lima. Photo / video El Brujo
She died in her 20s about 1700 years ago and is believed to have ruled over a desert valley in ancient Peru, where her elaborately tattooed body was buried with weapons and gold objects.
But a glimpse of the former priestess, the Lady of Cao, can now be seen in
a replica of her face, which was unveiled in Lima.
Using 3D imaging technology and forensics archaeology, the replica was based on the mummified remains of the Lady of Cao's skull and ethnographic research, and took 10 months to create, Peru's Culture Ministry says.
Culture Minister Salvador del Solar says the goal was to bring the world closer to one of Peru's best archaeological finds and remind Peruvians of their rich cultural heritage.
"Its relevance is really incalculable," del Solar said of the oval-shaped face with high cheekbones on display under a golden crown. "We can now show the world her face, a face that Peruvians see ourselves in."
