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Five hundred years ago, the remains of a young girl from the Inca culture were discovered near the summit of Ampato, a dormant volcano in the Andes Mountains. Known by various names such as the “Ice Maiden,” Juanita, and the Lady of Ampato, little was known about her true identity. Now, artist Oscar Nilsson and a team of researchers from the Center for Andean Studies and the Catholic University of Santa María have collaborated to create a 3D reconstruction of Juanita’s face.
This remarkable reconstruction was unveiled on October 24 as part of an exhibition at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum in Peru called “Capacocha, following the Inca Divinities.” The exhibition showcases the latest research about Juanita and her life, as well as discoveries from other Incan mummies found in the Peruvian Andes.
Dr. Dagmara Socha, bioarchaeologist and curator of the exhibit, emphasized the importance of scientific research and facial reconstruction in restoring the identity of these mummies. By bringing them to life through reconstructions, their stories can be told and their humanity can be honored.
The Inca Empire, which spanned modern-day Peru and Chile from 1200 to 1533, conducted ritual sacrifices known as capacocha, involving offerings to appease deities and protect the community from disasters. Chosen individuals, often children and young women considered beautiful and pure, were sacrificed on the sacred peaks of the Andes. It was believed that these sacrifices would bring honor to their parents and grant them a blissful afterlife.
Juanita was discovered by Dr. Johan Reinhard and Miguel Zarate in 1995 when they ascended Ampato. She was carefully brought down the mountain and is now preserved in the Andean Sanctuaries Museum. Studies have revealed that she was a healthy girl between 13 and 15 years old at the time of her death from a blow to the head.
Visitors to the exhibition can see replicas of the artifacts buried with Juanita and even touch them to experience their weight and texture. The artifacts include ceremonial clothing, ceramic objects, gold and silver figures, a Spondylus shell, food, woven bags, and pottery. The geometric figures on the ceramic objects are still being studied and may have served as part of an Inca communication system.
As part of a five-year research project, a team of archaeologists and scientists have been investigating Juanita’s remains and other artifacts found on the Ampato, Misti, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. The team discovered that coca leaves and ayahuasca, hallucinogenic plants and psychotropic stimulants, were consumed by these individuals in the weeks leading up to their sacrifices, possibly to reduce anxiety.
Using CT scans and other research, a 3D model of Juanita’s skull was created, guiding Oscar Nilsson in his reconstruction process. Nilsson, known for his work in recreating faces from the past, aimed to make Juanita’s face as realistic as possible through a forensic reconstruction technique.
The exhibit also features reproductions of the headdress and shawl Juanita wore, made from alpaca wool and naturally dyed. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the research findings, view the burial artifacts, hold replicas, and even follow in Juanita’s footsteps, virtually, on a pilgrimage along the Inca roads to the tambos.
After years of studying Juanita, the researchers found the process of bringing her back to life to be immensely rewarding. The hyperrealistic impression of looking at her reconstructed face was an emotional moment for all involved.
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