Archaeologists discover 1,500-year-old 'battle claws' in ancient Peruvian tomb
Archaeologists discover 1,500-year-old 'battle claws' in ancient Peruvian tomb
The claws were found among various copper artefacts which archaeologist believe marked the
grave of a nobleman
James Vincent
Monday 14 July 2014
Archaeologists in Peru are excited after unearthing a pair of ancient metal cat’s claws from the tomb of dead nobleman.
The paws were found at the Archaeologist site of Huaca de la Luna or Temple of the Moon - a shrine located in the capital city of the Moche civilization, a Peruvian culture that flourished in South America between 100 and 800 AD.
The scientists who discovered the grave suggest that the claws might have been part of a ritual costume used in ceremonial combat, according to a report from El Comercia.
Participants dressed in outfits made of animal skins and the loser was sacrificed to the gods while the winner kept the garments as a mark of distinction.
More:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeologists-discover-1500yearold-battle-claws-in-ancient-peruvian-tomb-9605691.html