Archeologists find offerings in Peru

Archeologists have discovered several offerings at Peru's main ruins of Machu Picchu, the authorities said Monday. The artifacts, probably belonging to the Chimu culture, include a ceremonial pot, carved stones, anthropomorphic clay jugs, 10 malachite beads, and a bronze clamp measuring 1.5 to 3 centimeters, said Carlos Werner Delgado, an expert at Cusco's Office of Regional Culture. The articles were buried 70 centimeters underground in a three-walled patio known as "wayrana" in Quechua language, which is located in the Temple of the Condor of Machu Picchu. The relics date from the era of Inca ruler Pachacutec, who governed between the years 1438 and 1470 A.D., said archaeologists, adding that the presence of the vestiges of Chimu culture indicate they may date from as early as 1000 to 1200 A.D. The pieces will be taken to the Machu Picchu Museum, located at the entrance of the famed Inca city, where researchers will continue to investigate their origins.