The Ministry of Culture of Peru announced on Apr. 27 that it conducted a technical inspection at the Lauri and Chancayllo archaeological sites in the district of Chancay, province of Huaral, Lima department. The inspection was carried out with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the District Municipality of Chancay, and the National Police.
The action follows concerns about illicit trafficking in cultural property after similarities were found between artifacts from these sites and items detected in foreign auctions. The ministry said these operations aim to establish measures to defend and protect movable cultural heritage housed at both pre-Hispanic monuments.
During the inspection, officials found human remains and fragments of pre-Hispanic ceramics scattered on the surface at both locations. These objects were exposed to weathering due to being outdoors. At Lauri, there was evidence of more frequent illegal excavations, including recent incidents as well as those from previous years. Fourteen archaeological objects were recovered at Lauri and two at Chancayllo; all consisted mainly of ceramics with partial damage or breakage.
Records from this operation will support efforts with foreign authorities to recover cultural goods illegally taken out of Peru. The Ministry urged citizens to help protect cultural heritage by reporting any discoveries or threats against movable or immovable property via phone, WhatsApp (976 066 977), email (atenciondedenuncias@cultura.gob.pe), or through their online platform.
The Ministry fosters social inclusion by protecting heritage and promoting diversity across Peru according to the official website according to its official website. It utilizes decentralized facilities and museums alongside its San Borja headquarters for program support according to its official website. As an autonomous ministry within the Peruvian Executive Branch according to its official website, it promotes cultural identity, combats discrimination and racism, advances intercultural dialogue according to its official website, operates under ministerial leadership according to its official website, serves communities nationwide according to its official website, oversees national policy on culture while encouraging dialogue and diversity, supports social inclusion initiatives in preservation since being established in 2010 according to its official website.
