Palaeoparasitological analysis of guinea pig mummies of the Chiribaya culture, Moquegua Valley, Peru
Fri, 2007-02-02 15:01 — Vince Smith
| Title | Palaeoparasitological analysis of guinea pig mummies of the Chiribaya culture, Moquegua Valley, Peru |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2003 |
| Authors | Dittmar de la Cruz, K, Ribbeck R, Daugschies A |
| Journal | Berliner und M |
| Volume | 116 |
| Pages | 45-49 |
| Accession Number | 41999 |
| Abstract | During several excavations of archeological sites in the Moquegua Valley, Southern Peru, various guinea pig mummies (Cavia aperea f. porcellus) have been discovered. They belong to the Chiribaya Culture (900-1100 AD). The outstanding preservation of the mummified animals gave rise to the idea of a paleoparasitological analysis. In the fur, numerous well preserved ectoparasites (lice, fleas, mites) could be recovered. Generally, ectoparasite remains are rarely found among archeological material. This is the first account of an extensive ectoparasitological analysis of animal mummies in Peru. A modified technique for recovery and preservation of the ectoparasites has been developed. |
