Tomb of pre-Columbian noble discovered in Peru

Peruvian archeologists have discovered the tomb of an ancient pre-Columbian lord buried with gold and silver ornaments in coastal northern Peru, one of the researchers told AFP on Wednesday.

The 1,100-year-old tomb in the Lambayeque region of northern Peru belonged to a noble from the Sican culture, said Carlos Elera, director of the Sican Archeology Project.

The noble was buried "sitting on a litter, with a mask, crown and several gold and silver objects that show his high rank," Elera told AFP by telephone from the city of Chiclayo.

Important pre-Columbian people were routinely transported on litters until the practice was banned by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

The tomb, which was in an excellent condition, was discovered two weeks ago in the Lambayeque's Bosque de Pomac historical sanctuary.

Elera said the find was "of great importance" because it was closely linked to a large pyramid nearby known as Las Ventanas (The Windows).

The Sican culture flourished between the years 750 and 1375, and reached the peak of its power between the years 900 and 1,100.

Archaeologists say they paid homage to the Lord of Sican, the most important deity in northern Peru.

Around 1375 the Sican people were conquered by the Chimu kingdom, which in turn was conquered by the Incas.