LIMA: The pre Inca culture "Chimu" developed in the northern Peruvian coast practiced human sacrifices evident in the 800-year old remains of 33 children and teenagers found in the area.

The human remains were found along with those of 63 llamas (Andean camels) also ritually sacrificed in the northern La Libertad region, near Trujillo City, 570 kilometers from Peru's capital, sources said.

The archaeologist in charge of the finding, Gabriel Prieto said the remains of the victims, from six to eight years old, have a horizontal incision in the breastbone. This is according to investigations carried out by forensic anthropologist Katia Valladares.

The incision was made to take out the heart of those sacrificed who were still alive, said the experts, who added that the macabre ritual is similar to those practiced by the Maya tribes in Central America and the Aztecs in Mexico.


- Bernama