Researchers investigate the remains of a 15-year-old mummy named “La Doncella” who resided within the Inca Empire. They believe this young individual was selected for sacrifice and bestowed the honor of dwelling alongside the gods. Remarkably, her frozen body endured for 500 years. Discovered in 1999 at the formidable height of 22,000 feet atop Mount Llullaillaco, the mummy of “La Doncella” stands as one of the most exceptionally preserved ever found.
The internal organs remain intact, blood still lingers within the heart and lungs, and the skin and facial features exhibit minimal signs of damage.
The mummy of an ancient Inca girl sits literally frozen in sleep at a museum in Argentina.
The girl and two other children were left on a mountaintop to succumb to the cold as offerings to the gods, according to the archaeologists who found the mummified remains in Argentina in 1999.
La Doncella was found dressed in a ceremonial tunic and adorned with a headpiece, tokens of her new status as a messenger to the heavens. The girl had also drunk corn liquor, likely to put her to sleep, scientists say, and her mouth still held fragments of coca leaves, which the Inca chewed to lessen the effects of altitude sickness.
By Rachael Shieley
