Temple of Sipán

(Local Name: Temple de Sipán) The archeological site of Sipán was discovered in 1987 by Dr. Walter Alva. Miraculously most of this burial site was still undiscovered by grave robbers. One major tomb had been pillaged but the best tombs were still in tact and held a stunning array of treasures.

One extraordinary tomb which was discovered, was that of the Lord of Sipán. The artifacts recovered from this tomb are now on display at the The Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán (Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán). This king was buried with all kinds of artifacts meant to accompany him to the after world, as well as a warrior, priest, a few female companions, and a child. Some of the tombs at Sipán have been excavated and restored, with replicas installed to show what the graves looked like when they were first discovered. The site is still a work in progress with archeologists on site.

At the time the site was discovered, locals were angry over their lack of any benefit or profit from the find. There were some violent confrontations between locals and archeologists, which involved police. As a result some locals were trained in excavation work and hired at the site, as were guards and other required personnel.